Genealogy Chat

Thanks everyone, you have been really helpful. I will look at all the information you have given me and tell my friend.

Thank you again.

Suzy

Kath

Have a look at www.workhouses.org. Not only should you find your workhouse it will probably explain the Casual Wards.

This is what it says on the description of the enumeration district:-

Name: Ratcliff House

Description: Workhouse and Casual Wards

Where situated: Salmon Lane, Ratcliff, London E.

Perhaps they were just passing through and were spending the night in the casual wards. Perhaps you could stay there on a temporary basis.

Kath. x

Found this

The Stepney Historical Trust was set up in 1989 in order to advance the public's education in the history of Stepney and the surrounding areas. It is based in the London Dockers Athletic and Social Club in 6 Boulcott Street, London, England E1 0HR.

The Trust has been responsible for a number of historical lectures, exhibitions and historical excursions to many areas of Historical importance. One of the Trustees, Brian Nicholson was the former President of the TGWU (Transport and General Workers' Union) and has worked with a number of past Labour Governments. Another Trustee, Julia Hunt BA (Hons) has a number of books about the area in particular the London years of Captain Cook, one of our greatest explorers and a fine Mariner.

The Trust has also been responsible for the putting up of its own plaques that are largely ignored by the guide books to the area. One plaque is dedicated to Captain Cook himself and can be seen on a building called Free Trade Wharf in a road called The Highway which was formerly known as the Ratcliff Highway, scene of the infamous Ratcliff Highway murders. Another plaque is to the Boxing Champion, Jack 'Kid' Berg in Cable Street which was so named because ship's rope was entwined there. There is also a plaque to the Thames River Police, now known as Thames Division, in their Police Station in Wapping High Street. Finally, there is a plaque on Gosling House, Cable Street dedicated to William Perkin who discovered a dye called 'mauveine' which the derivatives are still used today for medical applications.

The e-mail address for the Trust is [email protected]. The Trust is also a registered charity and exists purely on members subscriptions and grants. It is a non-profit making organisation and any donations are always welcome.

I thought that but it is a large institution with loads of names listed. I don't want to jump to the conclusion that it's a workhouse, and I thought someone may have heard of it before.

Suzy

Visiting friends/family?

Hi everyone

I have found a friend's relative on the 1901 census listed as a visitor at Ratcliff House in Stepney, London. Her husband is also listed there. Any idea what this might be?

Many thanks in advance.

Suzy