| Case number: |
4129 |
| Application year: |
1894 |
| Name: |
M |
| Gender: |
Female |
| Year of birth: |
1877 |
| Home: |
St Nicholas' Home, West Byfleet |
|
| Description: |
M. went to Sunderland from Cardiff with a travelling road show in which she was exhibited as a "spotted girl". Her skin was deliberately marked with a chemical to create the spots. She went to live in the Society's St Nicholas' Home for disabled children in February 1894. Sadly M. died at the Home in April 1894, of phthisis, another name for tuberculosis. [This disease was endemic in Great Britain at this time. Death rates among children and young people were far higher in the late nineteenth century than they are today, with our improved medical care]. M. was buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Byfleet, Surrey. |
|
| Keywords: |
Abuse; Child labour; Employment; Health |
|
| Items: |
1. Application to Waifs and Strays' Society 2 February 1894
2. Letter from the Home for Friendless Girls 14 February 1894
3. Letter from St. Nicholas' Home, Tooting 24 February 1894
4. Copy of Medical Certificate of Cause of Death 20 April 1894
5. Telegraph concerning M's death 20 April 1894
6. Letter from St. Nicholas' Home, Byfleet 21 April 1894 |
