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Cambridge Female Refuge 1838-1842

Notes on pages from Cambridge Female Refuge Minutes 1842-1853

Subjects of interviews:

6.11.1838: Harriet Runham

20.11.1838: Mary Webb, 21

27.11.1838: Susan Palmer, 16 1/2, at Spinning House, daughter of John Palmer at Ann Wales’s, Gas Lane [in 1841 Census Susan Palmer is an inmate of the Female Refuge][in 1841 there is an Ann Wales aged 25 living in Pleasant Row, St Giles parish]

4.12.1838: Charlotte Palmer, 19, daughter of John Palmer at Ann Wales’s, Gas Lane [in 1841 Census Charlotte Palmer is an inmate of the Female Refuge]

24.12.1838: Emma Earl, 18, from Ely refused admission as diseased.

22.1.1839: Susan Palmer readmitted from hospital.

5.3.1839: Amelia Sparrow, 20. No parents. In Cambridge Union 3 months. On town since August. Mr Battiscombe found her place by Chapel. To be sent to hospital.

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19.3.1839:

Mary Bowler, 27/1 p. 16, 19 March 1839 aged 18 applied for Admission, her statement as under

Was born in Cambridge, thinks that she belongs to St Peters Parents both dead – has been three weeks in the Spinning House, Has been 2 years on the Town, in Cambridge – is very unhappy and desirous of leaving it, a dreadful thing if cut off in such a course, can read a little, has brothers & Sisters in London, lived a year with Turner a Bricklayer opposite p.17 the Common, lived also as a laundress with Mrs Daltry in Little St Mary’s, before she lived with Turner

After examination by the Medical Attendant it was agreed to admit her on probation.

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16.3.1839: Eliza Nunn born Royston where her father was doctor. 30 years old. Year and half before on the town. Not admitted as account appeared untrue.

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25.6.1839: Charlotte Prime, 18. Place of birth unknown. Brought up by grandfather. Sister lives with Mrs Asplen in Rose Crescent in service. Was in service with Mrs Scott in Ram Yard. Never been in Spinning House. Was removed from Mrs Pearson of Brazen George Yard. Ill. Living with Mrs Lane at time.

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2.7.1839: Rules applying to Matron recorded. Rules for Inmates.

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9.7.1839: Susan Fuller. 28. b Huntingdon. Previously in service to Mr Strickland in Eversden. Nine years in prostitution, mainly with one young man. Introduced to Cambridge student. Just left her mother. Wanted to return to Eversden.

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20.8.1839: Elizabeth Beardsworth [?] aged 18 or 20.

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30.6.1840: Emma Jaggard (p95)

I am 18 years of age – have neither father or mother – my father was a wood-ward – have brothers living in Newmarket – Stechworth and Dullingham – have also a sister living with Mr Pavis at Newmarket – I can read but cannot write – have been in service with Mr Piper for two years- afterward for the last 1 1/2 with Mr John Robinson- a training groom at Newmarket – left him about 3 months ago in consequence of a quarrel and warning given – then came to Cambridge to a relation named Ellsden or Elliston not sure where they lived – believes in Green Street- but they have moved- I know not where – Mrs Moule came to fetch me away from thence- cannot tell how she knew of my being there except that I visited at a Mrs Smiths King Street (whose husband is a book-binder) whose little little girl visited at Mrs Moule’s  – have been living ever since in Burleigh St- fell into sin first (the word first is underlined twice by the minute taker) in Cambridge with a perfect stranger- had a sweetheart at Newmarket but considering he had broken his engagement with me thought I would be revenged on him. Have been used to attend school and the parish church of Newmarket. Do not know the nature of the house but having now heard the object of the institution think I would wish to come in and that I would not again sin as before but do not know on what ground I rely. Am willing  to wear the dress and would rather have my hair cut off than live in sin.

Agreed that Emma Jaggard be admitted for a week or two until some further information be obtained.

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7.7.1840: Emma Jaggard (p96)

Mrs Owen reported that Mr Naylor church warden of Barnwell was the Anonymous correspondent who having been accosted by EJ in the fair was induced to make enquiries and feeling compassion for her took the method he had done in the hope of rescuing EJ from further sin and ruin – the Matron reported she had held conversation  with EJ relative to her accosting Mr N – it was not satisfactory – cannot help feeling suspicions at her motives for coming here – cannot see any marks of sorrow and repentance – her conduct however is good – Resolved that the Secretary do write to Mr Robinson for further information and endeavour to find out the relations.

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14.7.1840: Emma Jaggard (p97)

A letter was read from Mr Robinson of Newmarket from which it appeared that EJ’s statement was not quite correct – having been called in and spoke to seriously she appeared humbled and explained the apparent inaccuracies to the satisfaction of the Committee – the name of the young man who broke his promise of marriage (which was the chief reason of her coming to Cambridge when she lost her place) was Stibbings of Eversden Yorkshire who had come to newmarket to train horses. Upon being questioned EJ said Mr Robinson had not dismissed her for anything which would prevent her from being given a character. She would be willing to stay here but would prefer going again into service – she would rather stay than return to the sinful life she had commenced.

Agreed that Secretary do write again to Mr Robinson with the view of interesting him in favour of EJ hoping that he would either receive her back or obtain for her some place of service – EJ however did not wish to return to Mr Robinson service

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21.7.1840: Emma Jaggard (p99)

Mr Boodle reported he had received no answer from Mr Robinson. Much discussion ensued with Rev Mr Gibbs proProctor as the the best plan of obtaining her clothes etc. It was resolved that Secretary do write to her brother at Stetchworth requesting him to fetch her home as she was hardly considered a fit object for the Institution.

The censuses show various candidates for her brothers and general family in Stetchworth. Jaggard is a common name in the area right into the 20th century. In 1841 there is a Robert Jaggard, b 1792 living with his wife An and six children, John, William, Eliza, Robert, Thomas and Ellen. There is also a Thomas Jaggard b circa 1814/16 in Stetchworth as well as a Joseph Jaggard b 1825 Stetchworth. these families are likely to include the two brothers mentioned in the interview transcription. However, family history researchers have traced a Thomas Jaggard b 1698 in Withersfield who married Susanna Cornell from Dullingham in 1721 so Jaggards were likely to be numerous.

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28.7.1840: Emma Jaggard (p99)

Mr Boodle read a letter from Mr Robinson stating the inability of either of her brothers to take her home – the desirableness of her future place of service being at a distance from Newmarket and his willingness to give her a character for strict honesty – Mr Boodle stated further that he had been over to newmarket and made enquiries and was sorry to say that the result was most unfavourable – her character was most light – going out at improper hours and joining evil company – a total want of any right religious notions and that she had been living at Barnwell in service previously to her going to Mr Robinson. On being called in EJ confessed she had lived servant to Mrs Bailey Boatman Arms Sun Street denied her having gone out without leave and adhered to her former statement as to her falling in to sin. The matron report and the impression of the Chaplain for the week being favourable it was agreed that she be continued on probation for another week.

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4.8.1840: Emma Jaggard

Having received a satisfactory character from the Matron as to her conduct during her probation now fully admitted.

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