Bristol_and_Somerset-L Archives

Archiver > Bristol_and_Somerset > 2001-03 > 0983829164


From: Hazel & Vic Gott <>
Subject: What was a Monthly Nurse?
Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2001 21:52:44 +0000


Dear LISTers

In the 1881 census I have found my gt.grandfather James FLEMMING with
his second 'wife' Mary, and her occupation is given as Monthly Nurse
(SM). After the family members' details there is Hilda MITCHELL, 4
months, with the relationship given as Nursebaby.

Does this mean that Mary is something like a wet nurse and that she
would have taken in babies to look after? (Suppose it would have been a
change from taking in washing!!). Incidentally, Mary & James's youngest
child in the census is aged 10 and Mary's age is given as 48.

I shall be grateful if some knowledgeable person could help me with
this.
Thank you,
Hazel

This thread: