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The Workhouse
Profile | Posted by | Options | Post Date |
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Arfermo | Report | 7 Mar 2020 23:33 |
I've recenly discovered, via a Probate list, dated 1896, that my Great Grandfather, William Henry Croft, was the recipient of a large sum of money, valued today at £316,000. It was from his stepfather ,John Lockett. Looking at John's death certificate, dated Dec 2nd1895, he died in the Workhouse, at Western Rd, Birmingham. No family were present. His occupation is listed as 'General Hawker'. a Market stall or wheelbarrow street seller I guess. Given the huge sum of money he left, and the fact that he was always listed in the Census , for 40 years, as a Publican, i assumed he had in fact--OWNED his pub, and at retirement (probably when his wife, Jane Watkins--,and mother of my Great grandfather, died) in 1891.--sold the pub and thereby explains the large sum of money. SO---why/ How, would he end up alone, in the workhouse? It's a bit complicated,but I hope it comes accross clear. I'd be most grateful for suggestions. Arfermo. |
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ErikaH | Report | 7 Mar 2020 23:53 |
Workhouses were often also hospitals |
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KathleenBell | Report | 8 Mar 2020 00:29 |
As Erica says, all workhouses had an infirmary which was not only for the people who were living in the workhouse but also for the general public as a hospital. People were often born in the workhouse or died there. |
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SylviaInCanada | Report | 8 Mar 2020 01:27 |
As said, the workhouse infirmary was the only place for ordinary people to go for help, even well into the 20th century. |
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Researching: |
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Elizabeth | Report | 8 Mar 2020 21:47 |
There was a Hospital extension built on to the Workhouse in 1889. |
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Arfermo | Report | 8 Mar 2020 23:22 |
Thanks everyone for the info, but theres a bit more to the mystery. To emphasize the point. On his wifes death certificate,1881, John is listed as a Labourer, and his DAUGHTER, Eliza Lockett, was present. Why wasn't she at her father's side at his, death, and why wasn't she a recipient of his large will.? although she might have died. Where did all that money come from, if he was labouring, and a street Trader in his latter years? Well off people would have a Doctor calling on them surely? I haven't been able to trace his daughter's birth or death--A bit more of the old Percy-verance I think. Arfermo. |
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ErikaH | Report | 9 Mar 2020 09:08 |
The man's condition could have required surgery - or other treatment which couldn't be given at home! |
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ErikaH | Report | 9 Mar 2020 09:17 |
I've been digging - just for the benefit of helpers |
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ArgyllGran | Report | 9 Mar 2020 09:17 |
You've got the wrong death cert, and have therefore made wrong assumptions. |
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Researching: |
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ErikaH | Report | 9 Mar 2020 09:24 |
Have you found Eliza on censuses? |
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ErikaH | Report | 9 Mar 2020 09:31 |
Checking on Ancestry, I see your tree, Philip, and there's NO mention of ELIZA |
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ErikaH | Report | 9 Mar 2020 09:36 |
1871 |
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ErikaH | Report | 9 Mar 2020 09:38 |
1851 |
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ArgyllGran | Report | 9 Mar 2020 09:46 |
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Researching: |
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ArgyllGran | Report | 9 Mar 2020 10:05 |
Jane was still alive at the time of the 1881 census: |
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Researching: |
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ArgyllGran | Report | 9 Mar 2020 10:17 |
Looking at the image of the 1891 census - it's been mistranscribed on Ancestry |
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Researching: |
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ErikaH | Report | 9 Mar 2020 11:02 |
Thanks AG - I've deleted my superfluous info |
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ErikaH | Report | 9 Mar 2020 11:28 |
Name: William H. Croft |
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Arfermo | Report | 9 Mar 2020 15:15 |
Whoooosh !! Many thanks ArglleGran/ ErikaH etc.etc I have most of what you have written; and not all is on my tree. The Ancestry Tree has been neglected, and will now be looked after by another member, so I'm not that involved but, accuracy is obviously necessary. As for Eliza, I only discovered her last night. I have owned the Death cert for 'John Lockett' for several years, and only recently have been given the Probate List. Which sparked the intrigue. I have Janes death cert ( yes I did goof with the date--I hope thats all it was) but all the BMD certs I have, pointed to, being on the right track. The noted person at the death of Jane, is ''Eliza Lockett, Daughter.'' Often the dates of birth and ages, are rarely consistant ,as you all know, especially with Census. Many people back then, didn't actually know their birth year--or parents names etc etc and guesswork was common. I always worked backwards to find their DOB. The 'New' John Lockett discovery, is the correct one, because my great great Grandfather is named as ''beneficiary' ?although as ArgylleGran has suggested, and I'm not savvy to this--might be acting like a Executive to the will? which is my next target. BUT--what this whole business with the money suggests, is that my Grand Parents, who came from modest backgrounds My grandfather being a Engineer /Tool maker. moved out of Grimy central Brum and spent their lives in North Wales, living in a nice house, nice cars, and always dressed stylishly.And bought my dad a Taxi, so he could start a busiess I have the photographs to prove it. over the decades and census, John Lockett was listed as a 'Brewer,/ Publican, which is why I drew the conclusion, that THAT, was his sourse of wealth, ( owning his PUB ) Many years ago, A senior member of my family , when asked where the Croft money came from, between the Wars, said that the family owned a pub, and either Mitchells & Butler --or--'Ansells Brewery, ' bought their Pub, and other's, so as to demolish them ,and extend their brewing capacity '. JOhn Lockett, having retired (Jane Supposedly decesed ) the huge sum of money came from ?? |
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ArgyllGran | Report | 9 Mar 2020 15:28 |
Yes, I imagine that John was the pub or brewery owner. |
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Researching: |