• 
• 
• 
• 

• Home
• /
• Projects
• /
• Voices from the Cambridge Female Refuge
• BackForward

Cambridge Female Refuge 1838-1842

Notes on pages from Cambridge Female Refuge Minutes 1842-1853

The object of this Institution is to afford to Females who have been leading a sinful course of life, and express a desire of returning to the path of virtue, a temporary refuge, where they may be sheltered from temptation, be provided with proper employment, and receive religious and useful instruction, until an opportunity occur for restoring them to their friends, transferring them to a Penitentiary, or placing them in some situation where they may procure for themselves an honest livelihood.

The Cambridge Female Refuge was one of many institutions established in England in the nineteenth century. Set up by voluntary action, its mission was  to remoralise ‘fallen women’, that is to say, women who were sexually experienced but unmarried. To respectable society, such women represented a moral and medical threat. One remedy was to redirect their life courses by persuading them to enter institutions where they would do commercial laundry and sewing work for their upkeep. Institutional ‘family’ prayers, and regular church attendance would set them back on ‘the right path’. The time spent for this moral rehabilitation and practical training varied, but at the Cambridge Female Refuge, the expectation was two years. After that time, women were placed in respectable domestic service by the institution.

The Refuge was managed by a committee composed largely of Cambridge-based Anglican clergymen, some of whom were connected with the University. The institution’s founder, the Reverend James Scholefield, was Regius Professor of Greek in the University and a pupil of Reverend Charles Simeon. Scholefield chaired the Managing Committee responsible for institutional finances, buildings and staff. A Committee of lady volunteers oversaw the Matron and worked with newly-admitted women. Women applying to enter had to present themselves in person at specific times in the week. They would be interviewed by members of the Managing Committee, asked to give an account of their life stories to date and indicate why they wished to enter the institution.  This project will provide transcriptions of those, sometimes astonishing, life stories.

Note on the transcriptions

In transcribing the statements inmates made at their admission interviews, as far as possible the original spellings have been kept, with punctuation as it appears in the Minute Books. Minutes might have been taken by a member of the Managing Committee or a trusted scribe. Changes in handwriting indicate different notetakers. Spelling is also variable in places.

Abbreviations: In order to keep up with prompts and questions from the committee and  answers given by women applicants, notetakers abbreviated familiar words, for example Thursday could be Thurdy   Sun Street could be Sunst and so on. These abbreviations have been retained in keeping with the original text.

Inmates’ statements

What were the Committee members looking for? First, practical information on living family members, their addresses (where known) and their occupations. Some of the women applying brought family members with them for moral support or because those family members insisted on coming to see the premises and/or to complain about their unruliness of their daughters, which had brought them to the institution’s door. Given the moral purpose of the institution as set out above, most significant for the Managing Committee interviewing were the personal and sexual histories which applicants were required to state. From these and from discussions with applicants’ family members who often accompanied their relatives, the Committee assessed the degree of genuine remorse or regret. The committee checked applicants’ willingness to abide by the rules of the institution and looked for a genuine commitment to changing their life courses. Some had previously experienced institutionalisation,  in one or both of the Cambridge workhouses on Mill Lane and Union Lane. Others had spent time in the Town Gaol, and/or the Spinning House, the University’s lock-up for prostitutes. Others from further afield experienced similar institutions in their home towns.

Some applicants did not have a ‘Settlement’, which meant they were not attached to a specific parish from which they could claim financial relief, under the terms of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834. Some refer to being ‘brought up by a Stranger’, which meant a non-family member, such as a neighbour or someone who took pity on them and might or might not have treated them well.

Why do the  voices of women applying to the Cambridge Female Refuge matter? Because they give us an insight into the experiences and life courses of poor, mostly working-class women in nineteenth-century Cambridge, and the difficult and brave choices they made in order to survive.

At this early point in its life, the Cambridge Female Refuge was operating in temporary rented premises in the town at Dover Cottage on East  Road. The meeting minutes begin with references to women who had already been admitted into the institution. Their interview statements may have been recorded elsewhere in an earlier minute book which does not survive, or not recorded at all, given that the institution was in its infancy and that committee members and matrons involved were learning as they went along. Some women applying to the Cambridge Female Refuge had previously spent time in the Spinning House, the University’s lock-up for prostitutes.

General rules of the Institution

1. That the affairs of this Institution be conducted by a Committee of twenty one, consisting of the resident Incumbents  of the several Parishes in Cambridge, by whom the remaining members shall from time to time be elected out of the body of Subscribers ; – three of the elected Members going out by rotation every year.  And that the Committee shall appoint a Treasurer, one or more Secretaries, and two Auditors.

2. That the General Committee shall appoint from their own body a Managing Committee,   consisting of Seven Members, by whom the domestic arrangements shall be superintended, and who shall meet weekly for general business.

3. That the Managing Committee shall appoint a Committee of Ladies to visit and assist in regulating the internal management of the Asylum [meaning a place of safety]

4. That a person be appointed by the Committee to serve in the Office of Matron, who shall conduct the Establishment under the superintendence of the Ladies and Managing Committee

5. That the General Committee meet half yearly, or oftener if called together by the Managing Committee.

6. That the Ladies Committee meet weekly, or oftener if necessary, to receive he report of the Matron, and to attend to business relative to the inmates, and other matters that may call for attention

7. That applications for admission be made to any member of the Committee, who shall lay the case before the Managers at their next weekly meeting.

8. That the Religious Instruction of the Inmates, which is an object of special attention, shall be committed to the parochial Clergy of the Town.

9. That the inmates shall be supplied with employments suited to their respective abilities, and the proceeds of their work applied towards defraying the expenses of the Institution.

10.  That a Report of the Proceedings with a statement of the accounts shall be published annually.

Treasurer, Revd G.Spence, LLB

Secretaries Revd T Boodle  

Mr Wm Wickes

Committee

Revd Edwd Baines, A.M.

Mr Wm Adams

Thos Boodle, A.M.

Revd Profr Corrie  B.D.

 Wm Carus, A.M.

J.E.Dalton A.M.

Geo. Coulcher , A.M.

Mr R Foster Junr

Geo. Langshaw, A.M.

Mr. Robt Haylock

Hy Robinson, A.M.

S.N. Kingdon, A.M.

Profr  Scholefield, A.M.

 

Managing Committee

Mr Wm Adams

Revd T. Boodle A.M.

Mr Robt Haylock

Revd Fr Hose A.M.

Revd Profr  Scholefield, A.M.

Revd G. Spence L.L.B.

Mr W Wickes

---

HARRIET RUNHAM Tuesday 6th November 1838 p.8. It appearing from the report of Mr Hammond (Surgeon)  that Harriet Runham,^ who had been admitted conditionally^, is in a State of Pregnancy, resolved: That steps be taken for her Removal from this Asylum. [Note: here the term Asylum is used to describe the Refuge as a place of safety]. HARRIET RUNHAM ordered to be dismissed tomorrow morning in time to make her application to the board of Guardians.

SUSAN PALMER Tuesday 27 November 1838, p.10 aged 16 1/2 years now in the Spinning House. Daughter of John Palmer (at Ann Wales’, Gas Lane) to be admitted on Wednesday December 5, on coming out of the Spinning House P.13 That Susan Palmer (received into the Refuge on 5th December, having since been sent to the hospital & now discharged from thence) be readmitted into the Refuge.

CHARLOTTE PALMER Tuesday 11th December 1838, p.11
Aged 19 years daughter of John Palmer (whose present place of residence is not known), has been living at Ann Wales’s Gas Lane, Trinity Parish, having been examined
By the Ladies Committee, be now admitted. –

AMELIA SPARROW, Tuesday 5th March 1839, pp.15-16 Aged 20, requested admission & made the following statement – “I have neither Father nor Mother, have been in the Cambridge Union 3 Months, brought up at Ipswich by a Stranger, have no known Settlement, have had two places in London, been on the town since August last, my last place was at Mr Miller’s a Baker in Tooley Street, left there in May and went to Colchester, where I first commenced bad ways – My illness first led me to desire to return to the path of virtue. I attended places of Worship both at Ipswich & London. I am most anxious to leave bad ways. I pray God to give me repentance. I trust if I were perfectly well I should never again enter upon my evil course. I would do any thing rather than return to it. I wish to go to Service. I left the Infirmary yesterday. Mr Battiscombe found me a place last night by the Chapel. Mr Cribb said I was well a month ago. I am a Stranger in Cambridge. I came from Royston 3 Months ago. I am sure I have had no improper intercourse since I have been in the Infirmary.
Mr Hammond reported her not free from disease, and in a dreadful state of filth. – It was thought well to provide her with a night’s lodging out of the house and then tomorrow to get her into the Hospital, until she should be recovered. P.17 Amelia Sparrow was received last week into the Hospital from whence she will be discharged as cured tomorrow – her conduct has been so violent & unruly as to make it very questionable whether she should be admitted here,
Tuesday 26th March 1839 p.17 On further examination of the Case of Amelia Sparrow, the conduct of that female being favourably reported during the last week at the Hospital, she was conditionally admitted an Inmate of this Institution.

MARY BOWLER, Tuesday 19th March 1839, p.16, 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.

ELIZA NUNN Tuesday 16th April, 1839, p.19
The Treasr  stated that an applicatn had been made known to him on Friday last when attending as visiting clergyman by Eliza Nunn for admissn into the institution – that he had taken minutes of her statement & desired her to attend today – her statemt was to the effect that she was born in & belongs to Royston that her Father was a respectable medical practitioner there – that she has been in the Infirmary of the Cambridge Union for 3 wks before Xmas until about a month since – Is 30 years of age – [looks much older] before she came to the Infirmary was 9 months in the Royston Union – left because of illness by reason of inhaling the gas – came to Cambridge in the hope of obtaining admissn into the Hospital, but cod  not obtain an order – more than a year & a half since she was on the Town – was 2 ½ years in the Magdalen in the Blackfriars Road – this was when she was 15 years old = had not then transgressed – her Father got her in thro’ interest & paid for her maintenance – her mother lives in Royston wth a marrd Sister – has a brother a Saddler at Oxford in easy Circumstces – Such being the statement, the Treasr  said he had given her p.20  shilling to enable her to return to Royston & desired her to attend here today – and the case being now under considered & a report read from the Ladies, from which it would appear that her statement was untrue in several particulars, it was decided that she should be not admitted – principally on the ground that sorrow for sin & a desire of forsaking it, is less her object in applying than the obtaining a lodging, & that her friends possessed the means of providing this for her.

ELIZABETH BEADSWORTH,   Tuesday 20th August 1839 pp. 39-42, was called in and examined. Is aged 18 or 20 years; has been living in a course of open sin since last Midsummer Fair when she was led astray.

Mother died a fortnight before the Fair. Has never been out to service. Helped to support Father & Mother by needlework at home. Is now tired of her sinful course, being unhappy in it, has felt this about a fortnight. Has never been diseased. Has been living in New Street Barnwell in house next to the Flower Pot A man kept her & lived with her, has never had connection with any other man. Had been in the habit of attending St Giles’s Church 3 times on the Sabbath day until I went to Barnwell. Can read, has never been to church since nor read her bible, has never been in the habit of saying her prayers. Was in

St Giles Sunday School under Professor Farish and Mr Battiscombe. Was led astray by bad girls whom she met in the Booths. Had no distress of worldly matters to induce her to enter course of sin as her brothers would have taken care of her until she could have attained a proper situation. Has no reason to believe that she is in the family way. Wishes to come into the Refuge because a lady who advised her to come said she would get her into service. The man with whom she was living does not know of her intention of entering the Refuge. Would be willing to go to the Penitentiary if thought necessary, has heard of it from Mrs Newman the lady above mentioned. Her sister did not accompany her to the Fair but followed her to Barnwell.

ELIZABETH BEADSWORTH was then recalled & examined

Rented the house in New Street of Parker, the man with whom she lived paid 4s  per week as the rent. Had been seduced 6 months before she went to the Fair by a gentleman whom she met at her brother’s wife’s house; only met him once, her sister did not know it. Had no feeling of sorrow about it untill later. Brother’s wife is a woman of bad character & aware of the purpose for which she went there. Since the Fair lived only with the person before named a labouring man. Agreed well with her sister untill lately, sister uses bad language.

Elizabeth & Mary Anne (stet) Beadsworth are admitted inmates of this Institution subject to the approval of the Ladies committee.

MARY ANN BEADSWORTH Tuesday 7 August 20 1839 pp. 40-41 was called in and examined. Aged 16 or 18 years. Has been living in a sinful way since last Midsummer Fair, was led wrong by a Gentleman whom she met in a Booth, did not go to the Fair with intention of running into sin. Left my sister that night at the Fair and returned to Castle End where she had lived. Since that time went to live in same house with her sister Elizabeth in New Street Barnwell. Has not been happy but distressed ever since went wrong.Had not been drinking the night of the Fair. Has long wanted to go home & leave Barnwell – had been in habit of saying prayers before went wrong but never since. Wishes to come in here to get away from her sin, desires nothing more than to leave it and not go back. Would submit to anything thought necessary at Refuge or Penitentiary. Can read a little but not much, was in St Giles Sunday School. Lived with only one man, the same who seduced her at the Fair, he is aware of intention to leave evil courses. Sister was living in Barnwell whilst I lived at Aunt Thorpes under Bantry Chapel near Mr Downton. Mrs Thorpe was then called in  and examined – Is Great Aunt to the young women Elizabeth & Mary Beadsworth. Has known them for the last 12 years; they did not conduct themselves well before their mothers death. & fears they had gone wrong  before the Fair but not so openly since their mother’s death. The younger M.A. is accustomed to use very bad language – she  has understood that they have not lived  with only one man but with several, they lived in a house by themselves No man in particular living with them. They have both been living at my house since Thursday last & have never left the house.

August 27 1839 p.42

The two Beadsworths admitted last week, having been found to be infected with the itch had been sent back to their Aunt’s to remain there till cured.

Tuesday September 3rd, 1839 p.42 Elizabeth Beadsworth returned to the institution cured and M A Beadsworth being also cured of the itch was sent for admission into the hospital having ulcerated legs.

Tuesday September 10th, 1839, p.43  Mr Hammond reported that Elizabeth Beadsworth was affected with venereal disease of a recent character. She was called in and examined, when after the case had been investigated the committee being convinced of the shameful misconduct of Elizabeth Beadsworth she was dismissed [from] the Institution.

MARY ANNE BEADSWORTH Tuesday 24th September, 1839 p,44.

The aunt of this unfortunate girl made application that she might be received again into this institution as soon as her legs should be cured in the Hospital. The Committee entertained an unfavourable impression of her case from a statement made by Mr Hammond of a conversation he had had with her in the Hospital, as also from the Matrons opinion of her, formed during the short time she was an inmate of The Refuge. But it was thought better that Mary A Beadsworth should when cured make application to the Board in person that at all events they might give her a word of admonition.

ELIZABETH TWITTY Tuesday 10th March p.73

Application was made for admission of E.T – by a Mrs Thring who kept the “Archers” Publichouse St Andrews Street – Mrs T stated she heard of this poor Girl as living at the Britannia East Road in a deplorable state & having known her Parents she went to see her & found her nearly naked and diseased – In conversation E.T expressed a desire to get into the Hospital & and earnest wish to forsake the sinful course of life on which she had entered – Through the kindness of a friend she was admitted into the Hospital whence she was to be dismissed as In – Patient tomorrow

p.74 The Father and Mother who once kept the Fox & Ball Kentford near Newmarket were  both dead & her only relations were Grandfather and Grandmother poor people living in Snailwell – E.J. was called in & stated as follows – She was 18 years of age – and could read – had lived in Service with a Mr Rutledge a Clergyman near Dublin & then had attended Church – Afterwards got into service in London & having quitted it was led astray by a Barrister with whom she lived 4 months – but becoming ill was dismissed – & arriving at the Britannia on her way to Snailwell  had become servant there until found out by Mrs Thring  – was desirous of forsaking evil courses & when recovered hoped to get again into service. Mr Hammond reported that she was to be continued as an Out Patient at the Hospital for a time & when recovered he thought her general state of heath to be such as required County air & therefore it wd  (sic)be very injurious to shut her up in the Institution – It not being thought advisable to dismiss her entirely until she was recovered, & Mrs Thring having stated that a relation of hers named Trudgett in Blue Lion Yard St Andrews Street would willingly take charge of her & board  & lodge her for 5 pc ? shillings? per week [ 5 has half moon symbol above it] – the Committee determined to defray this Expence by a private Subscription until she was totally dismissed from the Hospital & then that some steps should be taken for her removal to Snailwell for a time –

ELIZA BATTLE Tuesday March 17th 1840 p.75

– made application for admission through the Rev M. Gibbs & Mr Coulcher – when called in stated as follows. – “I am 25 years of age – was born in the Falcon Yard – my mother died when I was 13 years old – then brought up by my Maternal Grandfather & – Mother who are both dead – My father is now living at  Essex [explain blank –  safeguarding?] – have not seen him since I was 8 yrs old – received help from him until I was 14 & not since  – have lived 8 yrs in sin but am now very anxious to forsake that mode of life – know not what has now moved me to do this but have often thought about it – indeed 5 months ago I forsook it and lived servant at a house of ill fame but finding the more I tried to escape the more I was entangled in it there – I left & am lodging at Wiffens Shoemaker Wellington Row who offered me a home – supported myself lately by selling some of my clothes & pledging others – can read well but have not a Bible – hope I have prayed – never attended a place of worship though a feeling of shame”

Tuesday March 24th p.76 The Ladies report […] that Eliza Battle had been admitted subject to the Surgeons report & the pleasure of the managing Committee –

Tuesday March 31st  1840 p.77

ELIZA BATTLE  – The Surgeons report not being unfavourable & th Matron having stated that her conduct during probation had been unexceptionable – E.B. was called in & having been questioned as to some little supposed discrepancy from the truth in her original statement as to the number of years she had been living in sin, she was fully & formally admitted –

ELIZA NUNN  Tuesday 16th  April 1839 p.19

The Treasurer stated that an applicn  had been made to him on Friday last when attending as visiting clergyman by Eliza Nunn for admissn  into the Institutn. – that he had taken minutes of her statement & desired her to attend to day – her statementwas to the effect that she was born in and belongs to Royston

That her Father was a respectable medical practitioner there – that she has been in the infirmary of the Cambridge Union from three weeks before Xmas until about a month since – Is 30 years of age – [looks much older] before she came to  the infirmary was 9 months in the Royston Union – left because of illness by reason of inhaling the gas – came to Cambridge

In the hope of obtaining admissn into the Hospital, but cod  not obtain an order – more than a year & a half since she was on the Town – was 2/1/2 years in the Magdalen in the Blackfriars Road – this was when she was 15 years old – had not then transgressed – her Father got her in thro’ interview & paid for fer maintenance. her mother lives at Royston wth a marrd  Sister – has a Brother a Saddler at Oxford in easy circumstces. Such being the statement, the Treasr said he had given her a shilling to enable her to return to Royston & desired her to attend here today – and the case being now considered & a report read from the Ladies, from which it would appear that her statement was untrue in several particulars, it was decided that she be not admitted – principally on the ground that sorrow for sin & a desire of forsaking it is less her object then the obtaining a lodging, & that her friends possessed the means of providing this for her.

 CHARLOTTE PRIME Tuesday June 25th 1839, pp.27- 28

Aged 18 applied for admission – is ignorant of the place of her birth – was brought up by her grandfather – has neither father nor mother – has two Sisters, one in London & one living wth Mrs Asplen in Rose Crescent in service. She has been only four months on the town – is in good health – is certain of this – has wished to leave her present way of life more than a fortnight – has found it to be indeed a miserable course all the way along – did once attend church when living in service with

p.28 Miss  Scott in Ram Yard, – at St Michaels – has never actually been in the Spinning House – was once a little unwell – not so now – Mrs Hunnybun has interested herself about her & removed her from Mrs Pearson, the Braxen [?] George Yard where she was living – hopes she is sensible of wickedness of her way of life – once lived in a family where the Scriptures were read & prayer was used – can only read a little – has never been happy in her recent way of life – thinks if she cod  escape from it she shod never return to it – at Sturbitch fair she found means to let herself out after the family had gone to rest & did not return till 3 OClock in the morning – she does not date her actual ruin from this, but it may be considered the commencement of that course of misconduct which has so terminated.

The case having been examined by the medical officer of the institutn.   he reported that she was at present ill – & in such a state that he is confident she must have known it. By the rules of the institution therefore she is not admissible. On apprising her of this she appeared much distressed in mind, & vehemently asserted that she had no intention to deceive.. Mrs Lane, with whom she has been living the last four days kindly promised to permit her to remain until after the meeting of the ladies tomorrow when it will be seen if anything can be done by private subscription towards her recovery.

ELIZABETH FULLER Tuesday 9th July 1839 pp.34-35

A note was read from Mrs Owen recommending the case of this young woman to the Board – She was accordingly called in & examined as follows… is 28 yrs old – born at Huntingdon – belongs to Evesden having gained a settlement there by service with a Mr Strickland, & was upon one occasion relieved by the Parish – has been living on a state of prostitution nine years, during a great part of the time lived chiefly with one young man, but he was not her seducer – first wrong at a country feast in Barton – staid out late & was introduced by a female friend of light character to a young collegian from Cambridge to whom she surrendered herself – she herself was pretty well aware what wod probably be the end of going to the feast – has no father – only left her mother yesterday afternoon – last night slept at Mrs  Webbs at Barnwell.

On asking her as to her wish to enter the Refuge & stating to her its nature & object she said it was no use for her to come in, for she was afraid she shd  not settle – all she wanted was that the Gentn shod speak to the farmers at Evesden to employ her, & this being shewn to be out of the province & power of the Board, she was admonished by the chairman & kindly addressed by other members, & dismissed to her Mothers.

 ELIZABETH BEADSWORTH and MARY BEADSWORTH made application to the Board to be admitted as inmates of this Institution. Tuesday 20th August 1839 pp.39 – 40

Elizabeth Beadsworth was called in and examined. Aged 18 or 20 years; has been living in a course of open sin since last Midsummer Fair when she was led astray.

Mother died a fortnight before the Fair. Has never been sent to service. Helped to support Father & Mother by needlework at home. Is now tired of her sinful course, being unhappy in it, has felt this about a fortnight. Has never been diseased. Has been living in New Street Barnwell in house next to the Flower Pot. A man kept her & lived with her, has never had connection with any other man. Had been in the habit of attending St Giles Church 3 times  on the Sabbath day untill (sic) I went to Barnwell. Can read, has never been to church since but read (sic) her bible, has never been in the habit of saying her prayers. Was in St Giles’s p.40 Sunday School under Professor Farish & Mr Battiscombe. Was led astray by bad girls whom she met in the Booths. Had no distress in worldly matters to induce her to enter course of sin as her brothers would have taken care of her untill she could have obtained a proper situation. Has no reason to believe that she is in the family way. Wishes to into the Refuge because a lady who advised her to come said she would get her into service. The man with whom she was living does not know of her intention of entering the Refuge. Would be willing to go to the Penitentiary if thought necessary, has heard from Mrs Newman the lady above mentioned. Her sister did not accompany her to the Fair but followed her to Barnwell.

 MARY ANNE BEADSWORTH was called in and Examined. Aged 16 or 18 years. Has been living in a sinful way since last Midsummer fair, was led wrong by a Gentleman whom she met there in a Booth, did not go to the fair with intention of running into sin. Left my Sister that night at the Fair and returned to Castle End where she had lived. Since that time went to live in same house with her sister Elizabeth in New Street Barnwell. Has not been happy but distressed ever since she went wrong. Had not been drinking the night of the Fair. Has long wanted to go home & leave Barnwell. Had been in habit of saying prayers before went wrong but never since. Wishes to come in here to get away from her sin, desires nothing more that to leave it and not go back. Would submit to any they thought necessary at refuge or penitentiary. Can read a little but not much, was in St Giles Sunday School. Lived with only one man, the same who seduced her at the Fair, he is aware of her intention to leave evil courses. Sister was living in Barnwell whilst I lived at Aunt Thorpes under Bantry Chapel near Mr Downtons.

Mrs Thorpe was then called in and examined.

HANNAH STITTLE Tuesday December 3rd 1839 p.60 was called in & stated as follows –

Was 21 years of age – born at Dry Drayton – illegitimate – her mother died 16 years ago – was brought up by an aunt – sent to service in a Public house at Drayton when 13 years old – fell into sin between 3 &4 years since & became an inmate of Chesterton Union in consequence. Thence obtained a situation at Mr King’s the Brewer but left on account of neighbours telling tales of her behaviour during Mr and Mrs Ks absence – after this was servant at Smiths a Policeman for 4 months but left about 3 weeks ago having quarrelled with her Mistress – since that time has been living in sin – now desirous of quitting that mode of life &willing to submit to all the Regulations of the Institution & cheerfully to receive the instruction afforded therein – cannot read well – After having been admonished by Profr Scholefield she was admitted on probation.

ANN DARNELL, Tuesday 17th December 1839.p.62

Application was made by the mother of this young woman that she might be admitted into the Refuge as she had fallen into sin & for the last years had been very disobedient & more lately had lived idly – keeping late hours &c

The Girls statement was as follows: –

“ I am 16 ¾ years old & first fell into sin about  1 year since whilst Living at [blank space ] Grantchester – my seducer was a young Gownsman – a Pupil – I remained with the Family till they left G.- & having been at home for 2 months went into service but quitted my places for various causes – I left my last place last week & have since been living at Mrs [Blank] Sindey Street – finding my own lodging at night – have not committed sin since I left Grantchester” –

Resolved that this applicant be admitted on probation.

ANN CLARKE Tuesday December 17th 1839 p.61

Ann Clarke, who having been brought from the Spinning House – where she had stayed voluntarily from Saturday – gave the following account – “ I was 18 years old last August – can read – my Father is a small farmer at Elm near Wisbech – pious – attends Church regularly – I have 3 brothers & 1 Sister older than myself – lived at Mr Hinckes a Solicr of Wisbech for 1 ½ year as housemaid – was discharged by him about 6 weeks ago on account of levity of conduct – & the same night through advice of bad companions – I came to Cambridge – went to lodge at Mrs Flack’s Blucher Row & fell into sin but have felt desirous to quit the mode of life ever since “ am quite willing to conform to all the regulations of the Institution if admitted – Resolved that the Secretary do write to Mr Hinckes & the Father to enquire into the truth of this statement 7 whether the Father would receive her again at the end of weeks or months as the Committee should most desirable – & in the meanwhile that permission be asked for the Applicant to stay in the Spinning house & (at her own request) to be placed alone.

Ann Clarke Tuesday  December 24th 1839 p.63

The Secretary read a letter received from Mr Hinckes of Wisbech contradicting some part of this Persons statement which – upon being called in – she now acknowledged to be untrue & consequently was severely admonished by Profr Scholefield – After re-examination & much painful deliberation – it was resolved that she be admitted on probation & that the Secy do again write to the Father from whom no answer has been received. –

MARY ANN ARMINGER , Tuesday May 13th  1840 pp.88 -89

“I am 23 years of age – am the Eldest of 5 Children – have a Father & Mother – my Father was gardener & is now Game Keeper and now  Game Keeper to C. Partridge Esq  Holkham Norfolk – was in service 4 years at Mildenhall – fell in to Sin there – have been in Cambridge 2 winters – leaving in Summer & returning in winter – considered my course of life a sinful one – often very unhappy and wishes to leave it these last 12 months – cannot go home as my Fathers Master would turn him out of place were I admitted into his house – have been in the Town Gaol 14 days for riotous conduct – since leaving it 6 weeks ago have lived in sin at Barnwell – I am now anxious to quit my former mode of life and would not object to going to the Penitentiary London though my hair should be cut off – once did object to this but now do not – I think more about my soul than ever I did – would be glad to be admitted into the Refuge – am aware of the discipline & work restraint – am willing to submit to it as I do not wish to live idly but am desirous of amendment”

Mr Hose said that her statement corresponded to the one made when in p.89 the Gaol & that the Governor felt great interest in consequence of her good conduct –

After some discussion it was resolved that M.A. Arminger be admitted on probation with  view to her gaining admission into the Penitentiary London –

EMMA JAGGARD Tuesday June  30th 1840 p.95

Mrs Owen reported she had received several anonymous letters signed J.K. in relation to a female named Emma Jaggard whom the writer was anxious should be snatched if possible from the course of sin she had just entered upon – Mrs Owen consequently made enquiries  & discovered E.J. living in Burleigh Street with a Miss Moule (of whom Mr Hammond spoke by no means favorably [sic]having known her for many years) – & requested her to attend the Committee this day –

I am 18 years of age – have neither Father nor Mother – my Father was a wood-ward – have brothers living at Newmarket – Stetchworth & Dullingham – have also a sister living with Mrs Pavis at Newmarket –

I can read but cannot write – have been in service with Mrs Piper for 2 years – afterwards for the last 1 ½ year with Mr John Robinson – a training groom – at Newmarket – left him about 3 weeks ago in consequence of a quarrel & warning given – then came to Cambridge – to a relation’s named Ellsden or Elliston – not sure where they lived – believes in Green Street – but they have moved – I know not where – MrsMoule 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 bookbinder) whose little girl visited at Mrs Moules – have been living ever since in Burleigh St  – fell into sin first in Cambridge with a perfect stranger – had a sweet-heart at Newmarket

p.96

but considering he had broken his engagements with me thought I would be revenged on him – Have been used to attend school & the Parish Church of Newmarket do not know the nature of this house – but having now heard the object of the Institution think I should wish to come in & that I would not again sin as before – but do not know on what ground I rely – am willing to wear the dress & 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.

EMMA JAGGARD Tuesday July 14th p.97 – A letter was read from Mr Robinson of Newmarket by which it appeared that E.Js statement was not quite correct – having been called in and spoken to seriously she appeared humbled p.98 & 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 for her coming to Cambridge where she lost her place) was Stibbings – of Evesden, Yorkshire who had come to N – to train horses –

Upon being questioned E.J. said Mr Robinson had not dismissed her for anything which would prevent him giving her 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 the Sec.y to write again to Mr Robinson with the view of interesting him in favour of E.J. – hoping that he wd either receive her back or obtain for her some place of service – E.J. however did not wish to return to Mr Rs service –

Tuesday July 21st p. 99 Emma Jaggard – Mr Boodle reported that he had received no answer from Mr Robinson – much discussion ensued with Rev Mr Gibbs ProProctor as to the best plan of  obtaining her clothes &c. It was resolved that Secry do write to her Brother at Stetchworth – requesting him to fetch her home as she was hardly considered a fit object for the Institution.

 EMMA JAGGARD Tuesday July 28th p.99 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 & his willingness to give her a character for strict honesty –

Mr R stated further that he had been over to N – & made enquiries & was sorry to say the result was most unfavourable – her character was most light – going out at improper hours & joining evil company – p.100 a total want of any right religious notions – & that she had been living at Barnwell in service previously to her going to MrRobinsons – On being called in E.J. confessed she had lived servant to Mrs Bailey, Boatman’s Arms, Sun Street – denied her having gone out without leave & adhered to her former statement as to her falling into sin &c The Matrons report & the impressions of the Chaplain for the week being favourable – it was Agreed that she be continued on probation for another week.

August 4th, p.101 Emma Jaggard having received a satisfactory character from the Matron as to her conduct during her probation – was fully admitted –

 

 

 

 

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 –

TO BE CONTINUED

 

Dear Visitor,

 

Thank you for exploring historical Cambridgeshire! We hope you enjoy your visit.

 

Did you know that we are a small, independent Museum and that we rely on donations from people like you to survive?

 

If you love Capturing Cambridge, and you are able to, we’d appreciate your support today.

 

Every donation makes a world of difference.

 

Thank you,

The Museum of Cambridge