Genealogy Chat

Because there is a person listed in the 1861 census by initials - R.D. - in the catholic orphanage in Kensington.

He is 9 yrs old (right age) and born in Newcastle, Northumberland (right place).

Various clues point to my relative having a strict religious upbringing.

It would be silly of me to ignore this clue..........wouldnt you agree?

Ian, it seems all your info., points to NE England so why do you query London?

There are Catholics everywhere!

M. Steer

Yes, I agree - it is a long way. However, the R.D. in the 1861 census is listed as having been born in Newcastle, Northumberland (says newcastle middlesex on the index but its wrong when you see the original record).

He was in Hebburn in the 1871, which is the other side of the river Tyne from North Shields, which was his birthplace accoding to everything else I have.

He was married in Newcastle in 1871 (June) to a local(ish) girl.

There is no indication that he ever strayed from Tyneside, but his medical notes reveal a tantalising indication that he was brought up as a catholic, and very strictly at that......

I agree, its like kicking water uphill trying to get access to Catholic records!

Ian, I'm 'thinking aloud' so forgive me if it's all rubbish.

Even for a commercial traveller, there's a lot of miles between Northumberland and London.

Which part of the country did he marry?

Presumably you have found him on 1871 Census - where was he and where was his place of birth?

As for accessing Catholic records! - in my experience, nigh on impossible. Don't know why - some people have suggested it's because they don't want the Mormons re-baptising!?..

M. Steer

Thanks Jean

He is shown as 9 on the census, which ties in with what else I know.

Letter posted! Will see what transpires.

Ian

I'm not looking for help to find him - just if anyone has any ideas of how to tap into Catholicv records, as the FHS doesnt seem to want to know sadly.

I dont think there are any other avenues to be explored online - tried every possible and improbable permutation of the name(s) and worn out numerous pairs of trousers sitting in records offices trawling through registers and records.

No, his father is sjown as Charles Drewry, a commercial traveller. His witness is James Drewry.

The ancestors name is Ralph Drewry. I know everything there is to know about him after 1871 - various sources give his birth btwn. 1850 - 1853 at Tynemouth, Northumberland. (Or North Shields - same place really).

Plenty of Charles Drewrys and James Drewrys, but none that fit.

There is a RD in the 1861 census, born in Northumberland and an orphan. This would fit everything else I know about him in later life, but I just cant get anywhere with the enquiry.

Yes, I have his complete medical records - took some finding but they are now in my possession :-)

To progress I need to find him on a census (not going to happen) or find his birth (looking grim)

Ian,

On his Marriage Cert., was his Father shown as deceased?

I'm intrigued that you have his medical records!

Try posting some names & dates you might get a lot more help.

M. Steer

I am trying to eliminate or confirm a possible ancestor shown by initials in the 1861 census as being an orphan at St Phillips Catholic Orphanage in Kensington, London.

I have written 3 times and sent numerous emails to the Catholic Family History Society, but have not had a reply. I cannot think where else to go to see if there are any records in existence. Anyone any ideas?

This is my one and only clue to this strange ancestor of whom there is no birth record to be found anywhere and no other relatives, ie parents or siblings evident at all.

I have done everything else - got his marriage and death certs, extracts from rate books and directories, childrens BC's, even his medical records and some employment details. None of them give any clues at all apart from his marriage cert. which gives a fathers name..........and a witness with the same surname. Both have been fruitless.