Hidden Lives Revealed. A virtual archive - children in care 1881-1981 * Image of handwritten text

HRH Princess Christian's Training College And Infant Nursery, Windsor

Photograph of HRH Princess Christian's Training College And Infant Nursery, Windsor

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HRH Princess Christian's Training College And Infant Nursery, Windsor

Windsor, Surrey

(1942 - 1971)

The HRH Princess Christian's Training College and Infant Nursery was affiliated to the Society in 1942. The Home For Babies In Windsor had first been set up by a Miss Oxley sometime in the 1870s to provide mothers with a safe place to leave their babies whilst they were at work.

It was later named the Princess Christian's Nursery after a daughter of Queen Victoria had visited the Home and given Miss Oxley a larger building and funding. By 1942 the Home was known officially as the HRH Princess Christian's Training College and Infant Nursery and accommodated 32 babies. The Home was largely supported by the Children's Union.

By 1949 training at the college consisted of one month spent looking after each age group. There was also a month in the pantry where students would learn how to prepare and cook meals for babies, as well as two months spent on the Children's Ward at Windsor Hospital. Trainee nurses would spend time in the maternity ward where they were taught how to bathe, feed and supervise breast feeding.

In 1950 the Queen [later Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother] and Princess Margaret visited the Nursery and were shown around the Home. The Queen congratulated the Committee and Staff on the 'homely' atmosphere. A wendy house was added to the Home in 1957 in memory of Diana Mott Radclyffe, whose husband was a Member of Parliament for Windsor. The house had three rooms: a bedroom, sitting room and kitchen.

In 1965 the Queen Mother visited the Nursery escorted by the Mayor and Mayoress of Windsor. Each of the 17 Nursery nurses were presented with certificates and prizes.

The Nursery closed in 1971 after 100 years of active service. The decision to close was made as part of the Society's general policy of change due to the lessening need for residential care for small babies.



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