Ancestry UK

Northampton Society's Reformatory for Girls, Northampton, Northamptonshire

The Northampton Society's Reformatory School for Girls was certified to begin operation on November 15th, 1871. Its premises at 57 St Giles' Street, Northampton, could accommodate 20 girls who were below the age of 14 at their date of admission. The superintendent was Miss Spivey, assisted by Miss Smith. The industrial training comprised needlework, housework and a little laundry work. Although the School received generally favourable reports, the premises were criticised as being too small, with no possibility of a proper laundry being set up.

57 St Giles' Street, Northampton, 2013. © Peter Higginbotham

On February 5th, 1877, the School moved to larger premises at 58 Abington Street, Northampton. Here, 24 girls could be accommodated and there was space to establish a good laundry. The industrial training was also expanded to include cookery and knitting. Miss Spivey remained as superintendent until 1880 when she was succeeded by Miss Highmoor. The other staff at this date were the schoolmistress, Miss King, and general assistant, Mrs Buckingham.

58 Abington Street, Northampton, 2013. © Peter Higginbotham

Due to a drop in the number of girls being placed at the School, it was closed at the end of September, 1886.

Records

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Bibliography