Female Asylum / Orphanage, Leicester, Leicestershire
In 1800, a Female Asylum was established in Leicester for 'girls of respectable parentage who have lost one or both parents'. The institution occupied a building on The Newarke at the corner of the Asylum Street (now The Gateway). The premises could occupy around 16 girls.
Those applying for admission had to be at least 12 year old and provide medical certificates and references as to good character. No charge was made except for a payment of £3. 15s. for clothing at the time of admission, and help towards proving an outfit on leaving, which was usually at the age of 16. The inmates were trained in laundry work.
The Asylum is thought to have closed at around the time of the First World War. Part of the De Montfort University's Hawthorn Building now covers the former Asylum site.
Records
Note: many repositories impose a closure period of up to 100 years for records identifying individuals. Before travelling a long distance, always check that the records you want to consult will be available.
- None identfied at present — any information welcome.
Census
Bibliography
- Higginbotham, Peter Children's Homes: A History of Institutional Care for Britain s Young (2017, Pen & Sword)
Links
- None identified at present.
Except where indicated, this page () © Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.
