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Archiver > UK-WORKHOUSE-HOSP > 2004-06 > 1087328710


From: "MaryH" <>
Subject: Re: [UK-W&H] Gem Street Industrial School
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 20:45:10 +0100
References: <000801c4523c$af2e9ec0$8f7ba8c0@pa>


> I have found an ancestor, Samuel T DEANS / DEANES listed in the 1891
UK census as being an inmate (age 13) at Gem Street Industrial School,
Birmingham,Warwickshire.I have had very little luck in finding any
information on this school / institution. Has any list member heard of this
place? Did it go by other names? Does the building still exist? Was it a
school or workhouse type of institution? My ancestor was sent to Canada in
1894 by Barnardos 3 years after the census entry.I am trying to flesh out
what little information I have regarding his past.Any help will be most
kindly appreciated.

Hi Chris,
The Industrial schools were originally set up to teach poor youngsters a
trade so that as adults they would not be a burden on the workhouse. Boys
were taught carpentry or metal work, girls were taught sewing and domestic
skills to prepare them for a life in domestic service.

At first the schools took in orphans, vagrant and poor children and you
could regard it as being "taken into care". The schools were homes as well
as places of learning. As the 19th C progressed more and more "criminal"
children were sent to these institutions and many of them became Reform
Schools. I put criminal in " marks because the slightest misdemeanour could
send a child to an industrial school - begging, stealing food etc.
As your ancestor was sent abroad by Barnados, this would suggest he was
orphaned or that one of his parents had died (it was pretty much impossible
for a single parent in the 19thC). Barnados may have some records too,
although they may only give you details if you are a first generation
relative, i.e. child of the ancestor. I think they are just too busy trying
to sort out close relatives to be able to deal with more distant relations.

Birmigham City Archives will be the place to contact regarding records of
the school and they may have phots of the place if they have a photographic
archive.

Good luck

Mary Hallett - West Sussex
Visit my Website at www.fourbears.worldonline.co.uk

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