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Mother and Baby home Moseley
- Thread starter Alberta
- Start date
gingerjon
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN R.I.P.
42 Park Hall
a bit more info
Kelly’s 1940 42 Park Hall
Moseley
Miss E M Adams
Nursing home
1943 no information regarding a nursing home
1946 Birmingham and Midland
Bible College
Conference centre
The Reverend George banks
1949 Laihai Roi Rescue Nursing Home
1950 and 1956 same
1964 The Grange Rescue Home
1974 The Grange Rescue Home
a bit more info
Kelly’s 1940 42 Park Hall
Moseley
Miss E M Adams
Nursing home
1943 no information regarding a nursing home
1946 Birmingham and Midland
Bible College
Conference centre
The Reverend George banks
1949 Laihai Roi Rescue Nursing Home
1950 and 1956 same
1964 The Grange Rescue Home
1974 The Grange Rescue Home
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Sorry ,thank you Colin also.
I am seeking information about the Nursing home for a friend,her mother in laws birth information ,in her adoption file, states that a Miss Hellmuth was the midwife who delivered her.She was the child of a young unmarried girl and was later adopted.She was interested in finding out what the place was like where she was born.
We thought it may have been Roman Catholic but unsure of that now.
I am seeking information about the Nursing home for a friend,her mother in laws birth information ,in her adoption file, states that a Miss Hellmuth was the midwife who delivered her.She was the child of a young unmarried girl and was later adopted.She was interested in finding out what the place was like where she was born.
We thought it may have been Roman Catholic but unsure of that now.
N
NDB63
Guest
Hi There,
I was born at The Grange , 42 Park Hill Moseley in 1963. Since, naturally, I was illegitemate, all the details have kind of been drip fed to me over the years. From putting the pieces together, I understood that my birth mother got 'caught' ran away, then was brought back to Birmingham to face up to her responsibilities. I was raised in the family by two great aunts and my great gran and my 'mother' was there in the background but having a fairly single life. I knew nothing of my origins until I was 16.Sounds incredible, but its true! Lorna, my birth mother told me the type of place I was born in and wove a story about how the place was run by Catholic nuns who were judgemental and cruel to the young unwed mothers there. She also told me that she had to perform chores until the birth of me. Sounded awful, especially hearing it for the first time at that age. She said that the babies there were up for adoption and went on to describe another pretty harsh scenario when that process took place. I have no idea how much of it was true and how much was fantasy, although any truth I could discover from someone who had been there in whatever capacity at the time would be most welcome. The story goes that my blood family decided to keep me which is how I came to be raised largely by my wonderful aunt. She gave me a fabulous chance in life and I buried her just a couple of years ago. Despite this one always hankers after more, strange eh? Going through Auntie's things, I found a 1963 diary and written in a sort of code was the address of The Grange, 42, Park Hill. It was quite a moving experience. She had written down the numbers and times of the three buses she had to catch from Dudley to visit. Its how I discovered the place. Whats even more poignant is that the first photograph of me is of Auntie holding me as a newborn baby. Clearly, that was taken in The Grange. When I located the place and pulled-up outside (who knows why?), I had the oddest feeling that I had been taken there as a small child. I am pretty certain.
So, I guess thats my story and what I would really appreciate is contact from anyone who could shed some more light on any of the above- was it a cruel and harsh place? Was it run by Catholic nuns? Would there have ben any reason to take me back there, possibly to show how secure and settled I had become- my birth mother took me, I am certain.Any information would be gratefully recieved. All the best, Nigel.
I was born at The Grange , 42 Park Hill Moseley in 1963. Since, naturally, I was illegitemate, all the details have kind of been drip fed to me over the years. From putting the pieces together, I understood that my birth mother got 'caught' ran away, then was brought back to Birmingham to face up to her responsibilities. I was raised in the family by two great aunts and my great gran and my 'mother' was there in the background but having a fairly single life. I knew nothing of my origins until I was 16.Sounds incredible, but its true! Lorna, my birth mother told me the type of place I was born in and wove a story about how the place was run by Catholic nuns who were judgemental and cruel to the young unwed mothers there. She also told me that she had to perform chores until the birth of me. Sounded awful, especially hearing it for the first time at that age. She said that the babies there were up for adoption and went on to describe another pretty harsh scenario when that process took place. I have no idea how much of it was true and how much was fantasy, although any truth I could discover from someone who had been there in whatever capacity at the time would be most welcome. The story goes that my blood family decided to keep me which is how I came to be raised largely by my wonderful aunt. She gave me a fabulous chance in life and I buried her just a couple of years ago. Despite this one always hankers after more, strange eh? Going through Auntie's things, I found a 1963 diary and written in a sort of code was the address of The Grange, 42, Park Hill. It was quite a moving experience. She had written down the numbers and times of the three buses she had to catch from Dudley to visit. Its how I discovered the place. Whats even more poignant is that the first photograph of me is of Auntie holding me as a newborn baby. Clearly, that was taken in The Grange. When I located the place and pulled-up outside (who knows why?), I had the oddest feeling that I had been taken there as a small child. I am pretty certain.
So, I guess thats my story and what I would really appreciate is contact from anyone who could shed some more light on any of the above- was it a cruel and harsh place? Was it run by Catholic nuns? Would there have ben any reason to take me back there, possibly to show how secure and settled I had become- my birth mother took me, I am certain.Any information would be gratefully recieved. All the best, Nigel.
J
Jeoffry
Guest
My understanding of this is that it was a private home for unmarried mothers that arranged private adoptions but i could be totally wrong.
A relative of mine went out with a girl in the very early 70s a few weeks after they had been going out she told him she was pregant.he knew there was no way the baby was his.To cut a long story short she went into this home and had a baby that was adopted.This was arranged by her parents i think she was about 17 or 18 at the time.
If it was a private home then i dont think the library will have recorords.
jeoffry
A relative of mine went out with a girl in the very early 70s a few weeks after they had been going out she told him she was pregant.he knew there was no way the baby was his.To cut a long story short she went into this home and had a baby that was adopted.This was arranged by her parents i think she was about 17 or 18 at the time.
If it was a private home then i dont think the library will have recorords.
jeoffry
N
NDB63
Guest
Thanks for that, Jeoffrey. All the best, Nigel.
A
Ann B
Guest
Hi Nigel,
I spent a lot of time at this home in the autumn of '67, and yet my memories of the place are very sketchy. My very best friend went into the home to have her baby, and he was adopted from there. He was a beautiful baby boy, with a full head of black hair, and he would be 41 now! I knitted him all sorts of things, and I think I wanted to adopt him myself. I worked in Bradford St. at the time, so took the bus to the home most nights to visit her. It was a serious time for all the girls in there, but they all supported one another, cried together and laughed together. I don't recall anyone being cruel to my friend or to any of the girls. And I'm sure I would have remembered if that had happened. I wished I could remember more. I know I have always wondered what happened to my friend's boy. Wonder if he had ever tried to find her. I wish I could lodge my information somewhere in case he did, as she emigrated to Australia.
My mom was born in 1917 and was illegitimate, and it affected her all her life. I hope that is not the same for you.
All the best Ann
I spent a lot of time at this home in the autumn of '67, and yet my memories of the place are very sketchy. My very best friend went into the home to have her baby, and he was adopted from there. He was a beautiful baby boy, with a full head of black hair, and he would be 41 now! I knitted him all sorts of things, and I think I wanted to adopt him myself. I worked in Bradford St. at the time, so took the bus to the home most nights to visit her. It was a serious time for all the girls in there, but they all supported one another, cried together and laughed together. I don't recall anyone being cruel to my friend or to any of the girls. And I'm sure I would have remembered if that had happened. I wished I could remember more. I know I have always wondered what happened to my friend's boy. Wonder if he had ever tried to find her. I wish I could lodge my information somewhere in case he did, as she emigrated to Australia.
My mom was born in 1917 and was illegitimate, and it affected her all her life. I hope that is not the same for you.
All the best Ann
N
NDB63
Guest
Hi Ann,
Thats really interesting. An authentic source is wonderful. I am 46 now and fairly successful in all of the key areas of my life but there is always a little bit missing I guess. Its certainly not my key focus but it resurfaces from time to time. Thank you very much for your reply, I appreciate it.
Nigel.
Thats really interesting. An authentic source is wonderful. I am 46 now and fairly successful in all of the key areas of my life but there is always a little bit missing I guess. Its certainly not my key focus but it resurfaces from time to time. Thank you very much for your reply, I appreciate it.
Nigel.
A
Ann B
Guest
Nigel,
I'm glad if it helped in some small way. The 'always a little bit missing', I think applied to my mom too. Her mother died in the flu epedemic, before mom was two, and so she was brought up by another family. She didn't know until she was in her teens that they were not her 'blood family'. Since her death, I have found out so much about her real family, that I wish I could share with her.
Wishing you all the best.
Ann
I'm glad if it helped in some small way. The 'always a little bit missing', I think applied to my mom too. Her mother died in the flu epedemic, before mom was two, and so she was brought up by another family. She didn't know until she was in her teens that they were not her 'blood family'. Since her death, I have found out so much about her real family, that I wish I could share with her.
Wishing you all the best.
Ann
A
Amandam
Guest
hi
i was born at the Grange in August 1962, interesting to here what it may have been like. i hope the version of it being a nice place is true.
i was adoted from there at 6 weeks old, i have aways thought it must have been hard to look after a baby for that time to then have to say goodbye. in my case it was a good decison, i have had a wonderful life. curious about the past but never felt like a piece has been missing.
amanda
i was born at the Grange in August 1962, interesting to here what it may have been like. i hope the version of it being a nice place is true.
i was adoted from there at 6 weeks old, i have aways thought it must have been hard to look after a baby for that time to then have to say goodbye. in my case it was a good decison, i have had a wonderful life. curious about the past but never felt like a piece has been missing.
amanda
S
swilko
Guest
I was born in Lah-roi mother and baby home in Feb 1963. Anyone else out there who was born in the place or adopted from it around the same time? I've read all the previous threads but I'd be interested in knowing more if you think you can help.
chriswilshaw
proper brummie kid
I was an unmarried mother in the Grange Moseley in 1965. I was only there for six weeks but I remember it well. It was a very difficult time of my life. The Matron there was great but the Cook was terrifying. We all had chores to do - light the fires, help with the meals and cook. It was very cold in the main lounge which seemed enormous and the dining room was FREEZING. I remember the staircase which was very grand and, of course, I remember the nurseries.
The ante natal mothers lived on the top floor where the servants would have lived in Victorian times - there were two dormitories - the one I was in housed six girls. Lots of memories - mostly sad, but there were some fun times to
The ante natal mothers lived on the top floor where the servants would have lived in Victorian times - there were two dormitories - the one I was in housed six girls. Lots of memories - mostly sad, but there were some fun times to
S
swilko
Guest
Thanks for your reply Chris. I know this is an odd question but was there a skylight above the staircase at the very top of the house? I have a recurring dream of a big old wooden house, no carpets, with a big old mahogany-type staircase, big old banisters, and a skylight shedding a rather grim greenish light down over the stairwell. I'm 47 now and all my life, this image has interrupted pretty much every dream I have. If I didn't live so far away, I'd just knock on the door and go and have a look around. I'm sorry if this rakes up sad memories for you.. but I really appreciate your reply.
M
margy555
Guest
I was born in this home in 1950 and was adopted. I don't have any recollection of it but on finding my birth mother she said it was a terrible place and that they were made to do all the chores right up until the birth,and were not allowed any rest after the birth.
My first post , am seeking any help to find where my mums baby was born. She has no tangible memory of this period of her life ( sad) . Years involved 1947-48 , sent to Birmingham , she remembers the name Alton Towers, but I think that was for the benefit of her siblings. Were babies born mothers surnames on the birth certificates- or registrars. Have been told I cannot acess Newcastle upon Lyme registrars or Alton Towers so anyone knowing where to look up these. Any other unmarried mother rescue homes- have Egbaston. Is St Agnes- Rosemundy in Birmingham area. Quite dim as live in Australia - do I have a big sister or brother in England ???? Her name is Josephine.... C
M
margy555
Guest
hi janetsim when I applied for my original birth certificate it had my mothers surname on it i got it from st catherines house in London all adoption records from birmingham were taken there in 19970. I think they may have now moved them to Q National Archives Record Office. Alton Towers is just a theme park now.
Were you there in March 1965 & if so, did you know a slim, blonde, 19 year old girl named Wendy who had a baby girl named Kay.
chriswilshaw
proper brummie kid
Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you. No I wasn't "admitted" until November 1965.
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chriswilshaw
proper brummie kid
Hi - not been on this forum for a while, so only just picked up your question.
I can tell you that there was a big old staircase - very grand. I can't remember the skylight, but there may have been one. I believe the place is now an old people's home. I too would love to look round
Sorry I can't help further
I can tell you that there was a big old staircase - very grand. I can't remember the skylight, but there may have been one. I believe the place is now an old people's home. I too would love to look round
Sorry I can't help further
W
Wendy
Guest
Hello Maggie62 this was I think a bad time in our history and judging by the posts here affected many young women. My friend was there in the 60's I remember visiting her and seeing girls in tears who's babys had been taken for adoption. Thank goodness we have learned and I know a few have been able to make contact with their children.
I was also at the Grange July/August 1966. I remember the Matron and Nurse Warburton were very nice but cookie was awful although she had a heart of gold. I also remember the staircase and the nurseries. Also the top floor dormitories where we escaped down the fire stairs sometimes.
Like yourself lots of memories some good some bad!!
Like yourself lots of memories some good some bad!!
Hi i know this is a thread dated 4 years ago..but wondered if you had found any info re..lahai - roi. mother and baby home. The home was not roman catholic.. it was run by Angican nuns.. and miss winifred hellmuth is stated on my adoption papers to identify me at court for my adoption.... there is a book at Birmingham City Archives Library written by her about the home... but im struggling to find any other information about the home and its records... they seem to have been distroyed.
Has anyone seen the book written by Miss Winifred Hellmuth that is in the Birmingham Library Archived. She also wrote her autobiograph, but i cant find that.!.. im going to see if i can upload some pics of the pages i photocopied at the library of her book
Has anyone seen the book written by Miss Winifred Hellmuth that is in the Birmingham Library Archived. She also wrote her autobiograph, but i cant find that.!.. im going to see if i can upload some pics of the pages i photocopied at the library of her book
I've read this thread with interest about the Mother and Baby Home in moseley.
I am searching for my husband's sister, and have been for 7 years.
The family were all split up in 1950 when their Mother Gladys died.
We have found out very little about Mary Teresa (Tess) Johnson. But the one thing we do know for
sure is, she was working in a hotel on the Wake Green Road, moseley in 1961. She was then 16yrs old.
My thought is, could she by any chance have fallen pregnant around the early 1960s, and had a child in this home?
It is a possibility.
So my question is, does anyone who was in this home remember her please?
I know how difficult it is, as I had a child myself at the age of 17yrs in Bristol.
But if anyone can help please, or remembers Mary it would be so much appreciated.
My thanks
Rosy
I am searching for my husband's sister, and have been for 7 years.
The family were all split up in 1950 when their Mother Gladys died.
We have found out very little about Mary Teresa (Tess) Johnson. But the one thing we do know for
sure is, she was working in a hotel on the Wake Green Road, moseley in 1961. She was then 16yrs old.
My thought is, could she by any chance have fallen pregnant around the early 1960s, and had a child in this home?
It is a possibility.
So my question is, does anyone who was in this home remember her please?
I know how difficult it is, as I had a child myself at the age of 17yrs in Bristol.
But if anyone can help please, or remembers Mary it would be so much appreciated.
My thanks
Rosy
Hi Rosy...ive just recieved an email about your quest to find your husbands sister... im so sorry but im unable to help . Hopefully someone else on here can remember something for you. Ive travelled to birmingham library archives again and still found nothing.... there just does not seem to be any records anywhere.. best wishes ..hope you can find answers for your questions.
