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Adoption

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Thomas

Thomas Report 26 Nov 2007 19:15

Hi all,
I'm trying to trace one of my ancestors, Norman Bonsall, born 01 Nov 1917 in Leeds. I can find no trace of him after his birth and think he may have been adopted. He was living with his mother in Huddersfield when she was killed in an explosion at a munitions works. He was six months old and illegitimate. Does anyone know how I could find out if he was adopted, and by whom?

Best wishes,

Grahame Bonsall

Chris in Sussex

Chris in Sussex Report 26 Nov 2007 20:52

Thomas

Legal adoption began with the Adoption Act 1926. Before that adoption was informal.

Maybe a member of the close family took him in. They could have, informally, changed his surname (his mother's sister to her married name?) as he was so young and wouldn't know any different.

Chris

Researching:
Avatar...My darling Dad. 1931-2019 'Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence. There is no better rule' Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. 'A brickwall is a problem that you haven't solved yet' Dave Annal http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/brick-walls-and-lost-ancestors/

Thomas

Thomas Report 26 Nov 2007 21:01

Hi Chris,

Ahhh! Thank you. That explains why I'm hitting my head against a brick wall.

Grahame