Cambridge Female Refuge 1842-1853

Notes on minutes of Cambridge Female Refuge 1842-1853

ELIZA CARR October 25th 1842, p.67

– am 24 years old – born at Wymondham, Norfolk – am
a Parishioner of Barford Norfolk – came to Cambridge in
August last – have lived in sin 2 years – was led astray by a
young man to whom I was attached & who promised marriage –
Father & Mother are both dead – left home soon after my Fathers death – have an Aunt living at Wymondham – her name now is Matthews – I lived with her 12 months at Barford as Servant when I was 17 years old – her name then was Tuddenham She afterwards took me as one of the Family & lived with her & my Father until about 2 years ago – was then led astray by the young man – lived with him 4 months – had a child by him  named Charlotte Carr now living with my aunt. – was persuaded to come to Cambridge by a Yorkshireman – lived first at Mrs Lowe’s the Sun, Sun Street – then with Jane Freeman Sun St – heard there was such a place as the Refuge & wished to obtain admission – have known much want especially since I have been here – have never been ill – never knew any other man” – can read & write & do needlework – used always to attend Church – am well aware the life I have been living is a very wicked one to live & die in – am aware of the nature of this house – it is to keep me from intercourse with wicked persons am willing to do any work I am put to & submit to the rules of the house – am willing to remain 2 years with the greatest pleasure – have felt great anxiety about my soul especially at the time of giving birth to the child – I knew I was not fit to die – am desirous of coming in to save my soul – I owe only 2/6 to Mrs Lowe – paid 12s to Jane Freeman by 10s for veil & 2s by Ann Grant who lives next door to Freeman – Upon being questioned as to a black eye she stated it was occasioned by standing up between a man & his wife to prevent a quarrel – The Surgeons report being favourable she was admitted as Probationer –

MARTHA BOWMAN Tuesday December 6th, 1842, p.75 stated as follows: -Am 23 years of age – Father was a hairdresser at Castle End –dead 12 years – Mother living in London – have 3 Brothers & 1 Sister – Sister living with a young man – I can read & do needlework p. 76 but do not wash well – was in National School King St five years – went to Mr Downtowns Sunday School & to St Giles Church – went to service at Mrs Tofts, Tofts Farms when I was 15 years of age – staid there 5 years – left through my own fault Thought I could get better wages in Cambridge – went to live At Mrs Riddles Rose Crescent – a lodging house – first fell into sin There – left Mrs R in consequence of my Sister persuading me to Go to a Party – then went to live at Mrs Scotts Lame Yard where I Was very comfortable till some one told her my character & she  Turned me out – have been living in sin 12 months – have been in great distress – am quite tired of this course of life – had the desire to come sometime since but did not know where to apply to – am willing to come in & work & be kept alone – know that while in sin I was sinning the soul as well as the body –  have been living at 3 Russell Street – am in debt about £1 partly to the Landlord Mr Rickett of Gold Street – have some things in pawn – have been in the SH for a fortnight about 3 weeks ago – was taken last night by Mr Cookson but dismissed on assuring him I would make application here – am well – The Surgeon however having reported her as in a state of pregnancy Bowman was dismissed with kindly advice to go at once to the Union [workhouse].

ANN ELIZA CHAPMAN Tuesday December 13th, 1842, p.79

Applied for admission – stated as follows :

Am 17 ½ years of age – have Parents living at Dry Drayton – Father a labourer – went to Sunday School at Dry Drayton – can read – got into service at Mr Woodleys  – have a Sister living there – left because the place did not suit me – did not like living with my sister – went home for a time – came back to seek a situation – threw myself into sin about 8 or 9 months since – it was a hasty step – have been living in it ever since – lodged at Kitsons opposite Mrs Crisps Blucher Row – have been in want – was partly supported by my Sister – have had a desire to leave my sin about a month – through illness – Know that sin has been ruining both my body and soul – have had serious thoughts about my soul – have heard of a Saviour Jesus Christ & am desirous of receiving His salvation – should be glad of instruction if I came in – am willing to work hard – can wash & work with needle – I would not go back to sin if in perfect health – was admitted into the Spinning House for my health – discharged as well last week –

The Surgeons Report being unfavourable she was remanded to the Spinning House as a temporary Shelter.

ANN ELIZA CHAPMAN 

Tuesday December 13th 1842, p.79

[p.89 Tuesday January 17th 1843

Again made application for admission – She had remained at the Spinning House since she applied before (The Chaplain reported well of her conduct during this period) – had had much time for serious reflection – was most desirous to forsake her sin & to be admitted – After much earnest counsel & advice (as the Surgeon reported she was admissible) A.C. was admitted as Probationer – ]

MARY TURNER Tuesday  December 13th,1842 p.79

Applied for admission – stated as follows:  –  Am 25 years of age – was born at Burwell – have a Father & step mother with a large second family – have a married Sister living at Reach – Have been in service but not in any place above a year – lived with Mrs Clark Park St Bedmaker at S. Johns Coll – left because the family was too large – then lived at Mrs Danby’s – fell into sin above 5 or 6 years age – was kept by a Gentleman at Harston for 3 ¼ years – used then to go to Church – left Harston in March & went home but Mother inlaw was unkind & came back to Lodge at Mrs Smiths Blucher Row in June – my character was against my going into service – would gladly have done so – have been desirous to leave sin for some time – feel very disgusted with my mode of life – often think of the sinfulness of it – could not hope for forgiveness whilst continuing it – have a very great wish to come in but should not like to leave the Landlady in debt – owe her about £6,,15 – am willing to part with my things – Mrs Cookson promised to give me £3 if I staid here some time – am willing to stay for 2 years – to wear dress & work can do household work – needlework – washing & ironing – I went back to lodge with Mrs Smith as I owed her money & wished if possible to get out of debt – Would like to part with my things – writing desk – tea caddy etc this week in order to pay off Mrs Smith & come in on Tuesday next.

After much advice & persuasion Turner determined to do this and & come again next week as a fresh applicant –

SUSAN NEWMAN Tuesday December 13th,1842, pp.80-81

Applied again for admission & said My Mother did not come home till too late on Tuesday night last & wished me to remain with her on the Wednesday – this I did & on Thursday at ½ past 1 O’clock I came here but being refused I went to the Proctor who gave me an Order for the Spinning House where I have been ever since – I still feel desirous to enter this house for the benefit of my soul to Eternity – am willing to be taught what it is to have a saviour – have prayed to God when alone as well as was in my power – am very willing to work hard to wear dress and remain for 2 years – I belong to Barnwell – my Father rented a house – was hired by Mrs Turner at a months wages on a months warning – was about 16 years old when there –

The Surgeon having reported favourably she was admitted Probationer.

Tuesday January 17th 1843 p.89

Ann Chapman (see Minute Dec 13th 1842) again made application for admission – She had remained at the Spinning House since she applied before (The Chaplain reported well of her conduct during this period) – had had much time for serious reflection – was most desirous to forsake her sin & to be admitted – After much earnest counsel & advice (as the Surgeon reported she was admissible) A.C. was admitted as Probationer –

Tuesday 24th January 1843 p.91

Jane Thurley applied and stated as follows:

Am 21, have a father and mother at Meldreth – have never been in service – cannot read – used to attend Sunday School at Meldreth – left home with a young man, an Ostler about two years since who came from Baldock – lived with him in Barnwell for five weeks – he then left for London – then I followed a course of sin – have long had thoughts of leaving sin – but specially having received the tract (see minutes Dec 28th 1842 and Jan 7th 1843 both which she confirmed). I became ill in Meldreth through walking in the street with my little Brother all night, as my Father would not take me in – he had a quarrel with my mother about it – promised to try an pay my debts when he knew I was steady – I lived with Mrs Clark since I went back and regularly attended services – Sometimes was at the meetings in the evenings – lived steadily – Mrs Wortham sent a note last night to say she feared to take me into her service lest I should be unsteady again and unsettle her servants – did not think of bringing the note till I got to Harston. I do feel an earnest desire to leave my sin – know that I have a soul & after death if I die in sin shall be miserable for ever – know that Jesus Christ is the Saviour & died for my sins – have never been in the Spinning House – the Surgeon’s report being unfavourable, it was thought best to get her admitted into the Spinning House which the Secy undertook

Tuesday January 31st 1843, p.93

Elizabeth Minister: Am eighteen yrs old – have a Father in Blucher Row – Mother died a few weeks ago – can read, was a Scholar and afterwards a Teacher in Barnwell Sunday School – confirmed at last Confirmation  – was seduced last summer about the fair time by a young man to whom I was engaged – after my connection with him was broken off about 5 or 6 months ago I left home with my younger sister aged 16 who had  also followed my example and fallen into sin – we then lived in Russell Street together – she is now at home with my father keeping his house – have never been happy since I left home – feel a desire now to leave my sin – did so a month since – it is really my wish to give it up – If I were well should wish to come in – if I go to the Sp.Ho. (Spinning House) and get well would not go back to sin but would wish to come in. Was in the Sp. H. 3 weeks for health – left before Xmas (N.B. on the pleas of attending her dying Mother but she did not go near her – Secty) – have been to the Surgeon twice a week as he wished – am desirous of going into the Sp:Ho:  to be out of the way of those around me – Upon been asked specially at Boodle’s request whether she had any thoughts of the Refuge as a place to come to after a time when she first consented to a course of sin she replied I had no thought about it – She was then most seriously addressed by Professor Scholefield & Boodle upon her enormous guilt etc and as the Proctor had given her an order of admission into the Sp:Ho: [Spinning House] in the hope that when well she would be admitted into the Refuge she was sent there with it.

ELIZABTH GATHERCOLE   

Thursday March 7th, 1843, testimony on separate paper underneath Half Yearly abstract in minutes 28th April 1840, p.102 … am desirous of being recd. into the Refuge… am 17 years of age ^ .. my Parents reside at Chesterton.. I was first led astray by a medical man in Cambridge being then 15 yrs of age .. he seduced me from my home…I then resided in Coronation Street, New Town..he continued to visit me there for a month or so then left me.. I was then on the Town three weeks.. at that time a gownsman Became acquainted with me – and I with him I have had occasional intercourse  from that time until recently – Once (say on Decr 18th) I was taken to the Spinning House by Mr Thompson one of the Proctors & was there a week .. went hone .. & remained at home until last Oct. (1842) I then left home being pregnant & went to live at Grantchester where in Nov last I was prematurely brought  to bed  of a still born child.,, I wished to hide it from my Parents.. My Mother will not receive me – says she will leave the house if I go. I have 3 sisters & two brothers … my sisters are younger .. now live at Trumpington – I have carefully read the Reports of the Refuge (I can both write and read) & am really anxious to avail myself of its shelter in order to reformatn of heart and life – I have no design or wish to renew my intercourse with the Gownsman tho’ he has been very kind to me – I earnestly desire not to mention his name..I was afraid of the Refuge, but was much struck wth that rule which forbids reproaches in respect of past conduct – I am willing to wash or to do any other work in my power & to conform to ye rules in all things –

ELIZABTH GATHERCOLE 

Thursday March 14th 1843 p.102

the party mentioned last week as intending to apply – did not appear – but a letter was received by Mr Spence stating that having twice applied to her Parents & twice been refused with bitter reproaches & taunts she had become utterly reckless, despairing & changed in character &had determined to go to some den of infamy in Barnwell – notwithstanding the Winter had used every possible argument –

ELIZABETH GATHERCOLE 

Tuesday March 14th 1843 –

Testimony on separate paper, underneath Half Yearly abstract in minutes 28 April 1840, p.102

… am desirous of being recd. into the Refuge… am 17 years of age ^ .. my Parents reside at Chesterton.. I was first led astray by a medical man in Cambridge being then 15 yrs of age .. he seduced me from my home…I then resided in Coronation Street, New Town..he continued to visit me there for a month or so then left me.. I was then on the Town three weeks.. at that time a gownsman Became acquainted with me – and I with him I have had occasional intercourse  from that time until recently – Once (say on Decr 18th

I was taken to the Spinning House by Mr Thompson one of the Proctors & was there a week .. went hone .. & remained at home until last Oct. (1842) I then left home being pregnant & went to live at Grantchester where in^ Nov last I was prematurely brought  to bed ?

of a still born child.,, I wished to hide it from my Parents.. My Mother will not receive me – says she will leave the house if I go. I have 3 sisters & two brothers … my sisters are younger .. now live at Trumpington – I have carefully read the Reports of the Refuge (I can both write and read) & am really anxious to avail myself of its shelter in order to reformatn

of heart and life – I have no design or wish to renew my intercourse with the Gownsman tho’ he has been very kind to me – I earnestly desire not to mention his name..I was afraid of the Refuge, but was much struck wth that rule which forbids reproaches in respect of past conduct – I am willing to wash or to do any other work in my power & to conform to ye rules in all things –

Tuesday March 14th 1843 p.102

E. Gathercole – the party mentioned last week as intending to apply – did not appear – but a letter was received by Mr Spence stating that having twice applied to her Parents & twice been refused with bitter reproaches & taunts she had become utterly reckless, despairing& changed in character&had determined to go to some den of infamy in Barnwell – notwithstanding the Winter had used every possible argument –

HARRIET DUNN  

Thursday 14th March 1843, p.103

– stated I am 19 yrs of age – have a Father & Mother living in Broad St – Father a Tailor – I was born at Boston Lincolnshire

Can read & write – have been at Sunday School – have been living in sin 2 years – with one man (not my seducer – he forsook me in a short time) who left me in January last – I left my Fathers house last week because my Parents behaved ill to me & have since been on the Town – have thought of the sinfulness of my course of life for some months – but if my friend had not left Cambridge do not think I should have left off sinning – I used to go to Trinity Church but since I was left have never been to a place of worship – I first heard of this house from Mr Lane to whom my Brother went – I did not go on the town with a view to coming in – my desire for coming in is that I may get into service – am willing to wear the dress & work & live here for 1 or 2 years – I do wish to turn from sin to God &holiness – was persuaded to go to Barnwell but otherwise shd not have gone

Her elder sister was then called in & said – I live as servant to Rev Prebendary Hughes – my Father lives in Broad St but is not now in Cambridge being out of work – there are six of us in Family 3 Brothers (2 married) & another sister at home with my Mother a hardworking girl – My Sister Harriet threw herself out of her home – my Mother spoke to her about helping her to wash & also about being absent occasionally from home – for she lived at home whilst living in sin & used to leave for a week at a time – she then went to Barnwell & lived with a girl named Kelly to whom she owes 10 shillings which shall be paid –

Some years back my Sister was ill with a fever & in consequence is subject to hysterical fits which have not been so bad lately – She has been living with my Brother who keeps a beerhouse in Broad St . She works for Mister Creak the Tailor & who would be willing to take her in for a week longer –

Agreed that her Brother be asked to shelter her for a week & as this is so peculiar a case that Professor Scholfield & Mr Boodle be specially asked to attend on Tuesday next.

Tuesday March 21st 1843 p.105

The Sister appeared before the Committee & stated that her Brother was willing to keep H.D.& she was willing to stay. –

Amey Minister  May 30th 1843 p.118– sister of Elizabeth Minister now an Inmate applied for admission and states: I am 16 years old – am quite well – have been living at my Brothers- in law in Blucher Row & going on steadily since I applied for admission April 4th – think it is my desire that my soul should be saved – have quite made up my mind to come into the House if I may be admitted – know that I am expected to remain 2 years –

Having been kindly admonished by the Chairman she was received as Probationer subject to the approval of the Surgeon.

AMEY MINISTER

applied Tuesday April 4th 1843 p.110

The Surgeons report being very unfavourable her Sister in Law was called in & advised to take her home again & if the Brother would not receive her then to apply to the Proctor – Ordered that from his Character as reported by the Chaplain of the Spinning House – Ministers Father be not allowed to see the Daughter, now an inmate –

MARTHA BOWMAN 

Tuesday April 18th 1843 p.112 again applied for admission – see Minutes of Tuesday Dec 6th – was delivered on 4th of Febry in the Union of a female child born dead at the end of 7 months – received relief as belonging to S. Giles Parish Cambridge

“ I wish to come in & not again to enter on a course of sin – I was in imminent danger during my confinement – the Doctor gave me up – I did not then think much of my soul – I hope I have thought more of it since – I have  not been out of the Union – I came direct from the Union –

Having retired the Board considered the case that if the Surgeons report be favourable, she be admitted as Probationer – The Surgeon however reported that she was diseased & the disease was of recent origin – She then confessed the fact of having committed sin about a week ago & consequently was most solemnly admonished & discharged –

AMEY MINISTER 

Tuesday May 30th 1843 p.118– Amey Minister  sister of Elizabeth Minister now an Inmate, applied for admission and states: I am 16 years old – am quite well – have been living at my Brothers- in law in Blucher Row & going on steadily since I applied for admission April 4th – think it is my desire that my soul should be saved – have quite made up my mind to come into the House if I may be admitted – know that I am expected to remain 2 years – Having been kindly admonished by the Chairman she was received as Probationer subject to the approval of the Surgeon

Tuesday June 6th 1843, p.119 Amey Minister a note from Mr Hammond the Surgeon dated June 1st gave a very unfavourable account of A.M’s health – consequently she has been again removed to her Brother – in laws house .

LAVINIA ROBINSON 

Tuesday July 4th 1843, p.122

Aged 14 – Elizabeth Robinson the mother of this child attended to make application  to the Board to receive her child and state as follows;- I was married to the brother of my former husband since the passing of the act which rendered such marriages absolutely void. I am now temporarily separated from him.. my child has broken away from her home for one or two nights  at a time at the fair; not regularly a prostitute but going out into idle company; I have no doubt she has fallen into sin – she was in service with Mr Parker ye auctioneer,  but left his service alleging her reason to be that her master took liberties wth her. My daughter belongs to All Saints having been born illegitimate there. It is three or four months since I first had reason to think she went wrong .. I do not know if she ever rec’d the wages of prostitution. I gain my own living by taking in washing or going out to writing. I have had 13 children – I have seven children living; only this one girl… when she was at service at Mrs Skinner’s in Sun Street (two months ago) she went out & slept in a bad house.. She first

turned out again when at Mrs Challis’ was ever unsteady – she has been in many different laces … kept none .. manner flighty. My sister Mrs Reeve at Bury sent the child back in the winter saying she wished me to get rid of her into some such asylum as the present.

LAVINIA ROBINSON Aged 14

Tuesday July 11th 1843, pp.122 – 123

Elizabeth Robinson the mother of this child attended to make application  to the Board to receive her child and state as follows;- I was married to the brother of my former husband since the passing of the act which rendered such marriages absolutely void. I am now temporarily separated from him.. my child has broken away from her home for one or two nights  at a time at the fair; not regularly a prostitute but going out into idle company; I have no doubt she has fallen into sin – she was in service with Mr Parker ye auctioneer,  but left his service alleging her reason to be that her master took liberties wth her. My daughter belongs to All Saints having been born illegitimate there. It is three or four months since I first had reason to think she went wrong .. I do not know if she ever rec’d the wages of prostitution. I gain my own living by taking in washing or going out to do writing. I have had 13 children – I have seven children living; only this one girl… when she was at service at Mrs Skinner’s in Sun Street (two months ago) she went out & slept in a bad house.. She first turned out again when at Mrs Challis’ was ever unsteady – she has been in many different places … kept none .. manner flighty. My sister Mrs Reeve at Bury sent the child back in the winter saying she wished me to get rid of her into some such asylum as the present.

AMEY MINISTER 

Tuesday July 18th 1843, p.125

Applied again for admission for admission, under the supposition of being now in health – Mr Hammond reported that her health was not established & recommended should go into the Hospital – Professor S promised an admission as inpatient –

She was then called in & kindly encouraged to persevere in her intention of coming into this House and told of her proposed admission into the Hospital for which she seemed thankful –

ELIZABETH NICHOLLS 

Tuesday August 29th1843, pp. 128-9

Applied for admission

Mrs Pratt who accompanied her was first called in & stated – I am no relation to E.N. but she lived close to me in Binders Tents – I became acquainted with her by her coming to borrow an Italian iron for her gown as she was going to the Midsr Fair – I urged her not to go & upon my persuasion she saw Mr Maxwell the Superintendent of the  Methodist Connexion – she was induced to leave the house of Charlotte Adams in Binders Row about a month since & has been living at Mr Oakey’s Milkman 100 E. Road where she has supported herself by shoe binding – I believe she has known want & also has lived steadily from that time –

Elizabeth Nicholls stated – I am 28 or 29 years old – my Father died when I was 9 months old – my Mother died in St Andrews Street near the Baptist Chapel – I am a parishioner of Great St Andrews – can read & write – lived chiefly at Sedgeford Norfolk with my Aunt Reeve – a widow – keeping a public house called “The Buck” – I made a serious profession of religion when there & was a member of the Wesleyan Society – lived in service at Mr Skinners about 2 ½ years ago – a short time – fell into sin when I left Mr Skinner – fell gradually & trace my fall to neglect of prayer and other means of grace when I entered that service – have had a child – since dead – have lived the life of a prostitute above 12 months – have not done so for a month past but have lived steadily supporting myself in part by needle work & shoe binding work so scarce that I have been in want of food & have gone to bed fasting rather than commit sin – have been guilty of drunkenness & swearing as others – am very desirous of coming into this house as a means of escaping from sin – hope that shall be willing to submit to all the rules & discipline, I owe nothing for rent as the Proctor Mr Cookson has promised to pay it for me 7s.9d.

The surgeon reported she was not in a fit state of health to be admitted – hoped she would be so in a fortnight – & kindly told her to call at his Surgery 3 times each week & he would

attend her for nothing. Arrangements were then made for her support and Mr Coulcher promising to see Mr Cookson.

Tuesday Sept 12th 1843, p.122

Mr Hammond reported that this applicant was still an outpatient at the Hospital  – see Minutes May 30- June 8, 1843 –  & that she evidenced too much levity of conduct that he feared there was little prospect of her becoming an Inmate of this institution.

Wellington Row, I slept with girls – bad girls certainly, but wth no man  – they enticed me I am quite sure that only once, two weeks ago at the fair have I known a man.

E. NICHOLLS  

Tuesday September 12th 1843, p.132

applied again for admission – The Surgeon reported she was well enough to be admitted – after much advice she was admitted Probationer

ANN BEAVIS

Tuesday  November 28th 1843 p.157

Stated  – am 20 years old last Novr  have no Mother – do no know where my Father is – was brought up at my Grandmother’s in St Giles Parish – can read but not write – have an aunt named  Harris in the Petty Cury – My Grandfather was Nicholls the Coachman – once lived with  my Fathers Friends at Stow Bridge near Downham Norfolk – left my their desire to come to my mothers friends – slept at my Grandmothers – then lived with Mr Bontell  All Saints Passage 3 weeks – went thence to the Union House Infirmary where I remained ill several months – afterwards lived in service 7 months with Mr Rooke New Square – then attended Trinity Church – was led astray by other girls about a month since & went with them to Barnwell – lived with the Newitts in The Shamrock Passage – am indeed very sorry got having entered into this course of life – know what a wretched life it is & what a miserable end it will lead to – have oftentimes been without food – never have been in the Spinning House – am in good health & can do servants work except washing on account of the sinews of the 2 forefingers on my righthand being cut – owe my Landlady 6/s for weeks lodging –

Admitted as Probationer, subject to the approval of the Surgeon.

ANN SMITH

Tuesday  5th Dec 1843 pp.154-155

Ann Smith had been admitted on Saturday by order of Dr Spence and Mr Boodle – but was reported unfavourably by the Surgeon – He however suggested that if she could be kept in for the night he would endeavour to obtain admission for her into the Hospital – She was then called in & stated – I am 20 years of age – cannot read – was once in a Sunday School in London – was led astray by 2 young Prostitutes – have not lived in sin ever since but have been in work – often prayed that God Almighty would cause something to turn up that I might get out of sin – applied for admission at the Magdalen but the Board did not sit for a month – the Gentleman told me to come to the Cambridge Refuge – should be very thankful to come in – would rather live o bread & water than go back to sin – did not know I was ill till the Surgeon told me – would thankfully go to the Hospital often remember  the advice of my Mother who is dead not on any account to take to the Town – Professor Scholefield having kindly promised to give her a recommendation  to the Hospital it was agreed that she be allowed to stay till tomorrow.

CAROLINE CAMBRIDGE

Tuesday  5th Dec  1843 pp.155-156

Nicholls a Carpenter living in Brandon Row made application on behalf of his wife’s sister & stated she had no Parents – her father was Cambridge the Trumpington Carrier – she has been living in service with the Cook of Queens College – used to ask leave to see her Sister in the Evenings & on Sundays – this led them to suspect her – they therefore watched her & saw her go away with a Gownsman – about 2 ½ years ago I forbade her to come to my house because she brought a bundle of things – taken as I supposed from her Maters house – she has never lived in Barnwell but seems to be very anxious to come in –

Caroline Cambridge was then called in and stated & stated – I am 16 yrs old – can read – have never been seduced – it is not my own wish to come here – have no home – slept last night at my Brother-in-law’s – have slept at Mrs Smiths a Laundress at Trumpington for the last 3 weeks – before that was at the Cook of Queens in service ¾ of a year – left on account of a false report which would take away my Character – do no know the nature of this house – After some discussion she was again called in & positively denied ever having committed sin – whereupon it was at once resolved that the case cannot be entertained –

The Brother in law was informed of the decision & kindly advised to receive her again till she might get another place.

SARAH UTTERIDGE

Tuesday December 26th  1843 pp.158 -160 –   the Applicant admitted on Friday last was called in and stated – I am 19 years of age next March – can read a little but not write – have no Parents – have been an inmate of the Chesterton Union occasionally since I was 14 years old – have been in the County Gaol 3 times – twice for running away & once for breaking a window – this last time because I ran away with the Union Clothes – I am sorry for it – when I left the Union I came to Barnwell & entered into sin – lived in that state a fortnight – should not have done so had I not been driven to it – paid a shilling a week for my lodgings – the Girls Speechly & Payne with whom I lived said – that though they went on in sin themselves yet they did not wish others to live in “and advised me to come into the Refuge “ – therefore when I was in the Gaol I spoke to the Matron who told the Chaplain – I really desire to forsake my life of sin – am ready to work – can wash & clean up rooms a little – my temper is bad but I hope to be able to subdue it After much counsel and advice her admission as Probationer was confirmed. TO GO TO ROGER

ANN SMITH 

Tuesday  January 2nd 1844 p. 160 ( see Minute Dec 5th 1843) had been sent to the Refuge on Thursday last from Hospital by the Surgeon – She was called in & having confirmed her former statement to Mr Boodle & the Board in every material point was admitted Probationer & allowed at once to put on the House Dress on account of her having been in nearly a week & the wretched state of her own garments.

SARAH UTTERIDGE 

Tuesday Jan 9th, 1844, p.161 called in – still expressed great thankfulness & a strong desire to be permitted to remain – having been cautioned as to her temper – tongue etc and exhorted to pray for Gods grace to enable her to rule them– she was admitted fully –

SUSANNA BOWLER

Tuesday February 7th 1844  p.95

Application for Admission

– am 18 yrs old – my Father died whilst I was young – my Mother married again but died 5 years ago – Father in law used my Sister & myself very cruelly & turned us out of doors – belong to St Giles Sunday School – can read a little – went to Service with Mrs Hall at Hare and Rabbit Castle End 2 months & used to go about with oranges & apples – was seduced 2 years ago by a married man – a Tailor named^ Martin  [See  Minutes Dec 10 1844] – whose wife lives in Chesterton did not know this at the time – lived with him till last Tuesday when he left me – had desire to leave sin for a long while but took no steps about it – since he left have been living in New Town – we had no quarrel – I do really desire to leave my sin – know that I have a soul – have thought about it – though not alarmed when thinking about it – but know no what a dreadful state I have been putting it into – saw my Sister this morning in the Spinning Ho: who advised me to come but I had a wish to do so before – am willing to work – wear dress &c am in debt to nobody –  have plenty of clothes – gave up some clothes as payment for my lodgings – have always been well –

The Surgeon’s report being favourable she was admitted as Probationer.

SARAH VINCENT, AUNT TO MARIA VINCENT Tuesday March 12th 1844 p.167

My Niece came from  the Union House in Bury a week ago – she reckoned me her best Friend – she ran from her home in Bedford 12 months since – I believe she has been leading a sinful course of life 5 or 6 years & that she took to it from ill usage of her Father – a basket maker – which I know she experienced when they were in  Cambridge 9 years ago – I do think she is desirous of forsaking sin – she went from hence to Bedford – has been in Bury Union 10 weeks – was passed from Bedford Union where she had been two months to Bury Union to be confined – the child is since dead – she used to work in a garden at Bedford where I believe she fell into sin –

MARIA VINCENT

p.168 was then called in & stated –

I am 22 years of age – I came from Bury Union a week since – was passed from Bedford Union to Bury because I was in the family way – had a child there which died – I left Bury Union because I did not like it – I worked at Hilliards  a gardener in Bedford for eight years but slept at home – earned 4/ pr week which I gave  to my Father & Mother – whatever I earned above 4/s I had for myself – used to buy my clothes with this money & with that which I received  for sinful purposes which I began 6 years ago – when I left the Bury Union I proposed to go home & gain my livelihood. After much consideration it was agreed that the case did not exactly come within the Rules of the institution & therefore the applicant was dismissed.

Tuesday 26th March 1844 p.168

– Mr Adams produced a letter from an aunt at Bedford stating that M. Vincent was an exceedingly bad girl – liar etc – Mrs Vincent the Aunt told Mr A  – she had written to the Father and to 2 Aunts the one at St Neots & the other at Bedford & that Maria had gone to Bedford –