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Sorrento Hospital Nursing Home

I have been researching the origins of the Sorrento Hospital as a member of my grandmother's family had some links to the original owner, William Adams. On the 1901 census, he was living there with his wife Martha, and four children but by 1911, I can find no trace of them at the address.
William and Martha were both born in Sheffield and William was listed as "retired Insurance Company manager". My grandmother seemed to believe that it was "given" to Birmingham by this family, but again, it's all a bit vague. Any information would be appreciated.
 
I have been researching the origins of the Sorrento Hospital as a member of my grandmother's family had some links to the original owner, William Adams. On the 1901 census, he was living there with his wife Martha, and four children but by 1911, I can find no trace of them at the address.
William and Martha were both born in Sheffield and William was listed as "retired Insurance Company manager". My grandmother seemed to believe that it was "given" to Birmingham by this family, but again, it's all a bit vague. Any information would be appreciated.

Sorrento was given to Birmingham and accepted by Neville Chamberlain who was Lord Mayor in 1915 so I would think this was a hand over date, I have seen further info somewere but cannot find it at the moment. Try a request on this site for a Kelly's look up and this may confirm the date.
 
Funny I was born at Sorrento in 1947. My Mom was Italian and she Dora honeymooned in Sorrento with my Dad Eric

See photo on next post
 
Bob,

That's a great coincidence that your mom and dad took their honeymoon in Sorrento.
I finally made it to Sorrento a couple of years back, and fell in love with the place.

Ann
 
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Apparently, according to my birth certificate, I was born at No. 15 Wake Green Road in 1945. Is there anybody out there that remembers whether this was a maternity home then or a private residence?

Regards

Ken
 
I think it may have been a maternity home because my brother-in-law was also born there.


Chris/Pom :angel:
 
Hi. Yes your right - it was a maternity hospital. it was called Sorrento. Had a very good reputation. Only recently demolished & apartments built on site called Sorrento Court.

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I remember the place very well from my youth as when I passed there the dustbins were always overflowing with dummies, nappies, rubber sheeting and all kinds of feeding bottles; I can still smell the place right now!
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also known as the stork hotel. My son was boen there over 30 years ago
 
Congratulations Ken that is the year my sister was born there - April it was.
 
That's great init'
Kenaldis asks a question about where he was born and finds out in 2 posts, with a photo to boot :)
 
I was born in Sorrento in 1956 unexpectadly as my mom was told she was only having one child. I popped out an hour after my sister, no scans in those days. my dad had to go out and buy all new stuff.I was told i was a breach birth and had yellow jaundice
 
As far as the original Victorian house is concerned, can trace some black-and-white photos of that era for you. They are on www.viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk. Easiest way is if you just get the homepage and type in "Sorrento" in the search box right in front of you. I'm traditionally a cinema/theatre specialist but these came up co-incidentally.

I'm claiming the cinema photos on that site as a BH first for a later essay on Birmingham cinemas!
 
Apparently, according to my birth certificate, I was born at No. 15 Wake Green Road in 1945. Is there anybody out there that remembers whether this was a maternity home then or a private residence?

Regards

Ken

You may like to look under Sorrento Hospital on this Forum, I am related to the Adhams family coach man and housekepper.
 
hi superdad...thanks very much for the pic of sorento...i have a family member who will be very happy to see this......

astoness
 
Thank you everybody for your prompt & helpful replies

Regards

Ken
 
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