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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Lancashire => Topic started by: Mr. MIGKY on Wednesday 05 April 06 15:57 BST (UK)
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HI EVERY ONE , I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT ABOUT HOLLYMOUNT CONVENT IN BURY LANCASHIRE.
THANKS MIGKY. ;)
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Hi Migky,
I have tried a few searches to try and help you with no luck! Online searches do not give the order of nuns who were there - 'googling' does show others in a similar situation - there are posts on the Bury Times site- you could also try writing to the paper and a workhouse site also has postings. These have personal email addresses so do not indicate whether anyone replied.
I suppose writing to Bury Social Services or Salford Diocese are other options.
Best wishes
Heywood
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Thanks we will try them ;)
migky
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Hi Migky,
Great to meet you today, by accident, and that shows the power of Rootschatters.
cheers
Tony
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Hi tony from both of us. It was nice to meet you. you are doing great work on the monastery.we hope to come back soon.
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MIGKY.
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Your best bet would be to contact Holly Mount RC primary school in Greenmount (Bury). The school used to be run by nuns. From a recent visit, I know that the days when the school was run as an orphanage form part of its history. They may hold the old records, or if not, may be able to tell you where you could find them.
good luck
Marmitch
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http://www.bury.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/F674EF3C-6674-48A5-BBC0-59A2F5E6CF19/0/LeafletTwoBrooksValley.pdf
Try this website. It gives some information about Holly mount and the surrounding area. The Nuns were the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary according to this website.
once again good luck with your search.
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Hi tony from both of us. It was nice to meet you. you are doing great work on the monastery.we hope to come back soon.
do you remember me asking about LIVESEY STREET and about the elephants,any one who reads this will think i am a nut .hmmm! might be right.also do you know where BINGIN DRIVECOLLYHURST, is or was.many thanks MIGKY.
I'm back at work tomorrow so will ask David he should/might know :)
Cheers
Tony
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Hello All,
I'm new here. Hope this information will be of use to you.
The archives of Holly Mount's childrens' home went to:
The Catholic Children’s Rescue Society
390 Parrs Wood Road
Didsbury
Manchester M20 5NA
Not everything survives. The information you are likely to get will probably only be the date the child arrived and from where and possibly some parental or governor information. Many children were placed at Holly Mount by the Bury Guardians. Their records are at Bury library but I believe they are mostly admin records. Manchester Guardians records might also be worth looking at. They are at Manchester Library (I think).
There is a lovely book available from the Machester and Lancashire Family History Society on Holly Mount, with quite a lot of photos of girls and some of the nuns. It's called 'Holly Mount. A Labour of Love'. It makes for a good read.
All the best
Iona
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many thanks for your reply .i am not sure if i have allready wrote to them before,but will write to them again.i tell you the church seems to be the hardest place to get any information out of .i have wrote to so many place's over the last few months i think i have lost trace . ::) it's was nice of you on your first day to try and help some one ,usely people are trying at first to information for them selfs.
cheers
migky
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read post in tech help "CAN'T SEND PM?"
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Hey Migky,
Hope these links help:
http://sca.lib.liv.ac.uk/collections/socialwork/nch.htm
http://sca.lib.liv.ac.uk/collections/socialwork/lsh.htm
http://sca.lib.liv.ac.uk/collections/socialwork/gene.htm
Bury and District Local History Society:
http://www.burylhs.org.uk/journal.html
Migky, this is an excerpt from an email I received from a friend:
"""I have a lot of memories of Hollymount....I will try and find the notes I wrote that man for the book and will send them to you. I will also try to find out where the records went, I'd like to know that myself as a matter of fact.
So please communicate with me in answer to this letter....and maybe we could take this further for your friend....... """
Migky, If you would like to PM me I can give you a copy of the whole email. I think if she had your Mum's name, it might help but I was reluctant to give that out until I had your permission. I also didn't want to include the writer's name.
So let me know if you are interested.
Regards
CP
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Author Slawson, John
Title A labour of love: memories of the children's home, Holly Mount, Tottington
Pub info N.Richardson, 1995
Looked on Tottington library website and found this book title. Apparently it is for library use only, so it can't be removed.
Also looked on Amazon for it, and they have it listed, so you may be able to purcase it.
Hope this helps.
MM
Product details
Paperback: 56 pages
Publisher: Neil Richardson (1 Feb 1995)
Language English
ISBN: 1852160985
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A p.s to my last posting. Copies are held ,and are available to lend at the 3 main libraries in the area. Namely Bury. Tottington and Ramsbottom.
If you are interested, I would be happy to get a copy on loan, if the information would be of use.
MM
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many thanks for your offer Marmitch
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migky
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if any one is looking to try and trace any sort of records from hollymount, the only link i have found to do with them is as follows. The archives of HollyMount's childrens home went to :
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Hello
I googled Hollymount convent and this was my first hit.
I am interested in this place as my mum and her siblings were in the convent for periods of time in the 30s and possibly early 40s. her memories were not happy ones.
I'm not too sure what I would like to know really.
Just anything I suppose about the place, the people, the times.
I am doing my family history.
regards
Mona Pyes lass
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Hi, and welcome to rootschat. Over the next few days i will let you have all i know about the place and the people there . Would you happen to have any Photos of the place and the children ? also could you tell me what your family's names are/were that went to hollymount please? I can if you like do this all in privet messaged for you if you prefer?
Migky ;)
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Hello Migky
I would be very appreciative of your help please.
I did put my PM address on but not sure how safe it is.....
Mona's lass
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Hi micky,
My gran was in Holymount when she was 4yrs old that was in 1911. I noticed someone mentioned the book Labour of love to you. I bought it at bury libruary for £3.50 and its very interesting. As for getting the list of people who were in the convant I,m also at a loss as from what my gran said when she was a live her sister was in there too. My grans name was Edith Alice Cocker and her sister was called Janet.
I hope this helps
Donna
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Hello Donnaelleray and welcome to rootschat. My mother was in the convent home .
MIGKY ;)
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Hello again,
I will go and get a copy as its only 10 minuites away from me. Last time I went to St Hilda's they didn't have anything on the convant, in fact the priest was quite rude, but that was some years ago.
Good luck on your search and thanks for info on other books.
Donna
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One of the books is called " A PARISH HISTORY OF ST. HILDA'S BY MICHAEL CONROY" It has many photos of the children and of the sisters (nuns) The priest is a very nice man he will tell you more about the other book i don't have ( and at £ 15, it is a litle to much for me) good luck and keep intouch.
Migky ;)
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Hi there again Migky.
Did you still want to send me some pics and info on Hollymount convent :) ?
You PM'd me coupla weeks ago. would love anything you can send.
Your mum and mine were in this place at around the same time. (poor mites)!!
Meanwhile I have taken some details of books and addresses from this thread.
Jinxy :)
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Hi - this is a new experience for me but couldn't resist chipping in re Hollymount Childrens Home.
I was an orphan there myself from the age of 9months to 6years between 1943-1949. Then I was adopted!!
I wonder if anyone else has similar memories of the place during that or any other period?
Would love to communicate with anyone connected with Hollymount.
Am also, thanks to some of the info re Mghy's query, aiming to locate any possible relatives of mine. Bit of a tall order, I know, after all these years but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained!!
By the way, am I out of tune with everyone else when I suggest that memories of Hollymount were far from good ones? One exception was a dear friend whom I had to leave behind!! Love to all, Jomar X
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Hi Jomar
No you are not alone when you say that you don't have happy memories of the place.
My mum was there in the 30s and possibly early 40s along with her siblings, and was subjected to starvation and cruelty. Put her off all religion for life.
So much so that when she was dying she wouldn't even let me pray for her.
but i would still like to know a little of the history of the place and maybe have a pic or two for family history interest.
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Hi Jinxy
It was so kind of you to respond to my posting. Thank you!!
Your poor mum and her siblings. What you say sounds to me no exaggeration!! I was at Hollymount 1943-1949 and your mum and siblings paths may have crossed with mine. I lost all faith in anything to do with "Catholic" but never lost belief in God! In fact I was led to working (in a professional capacity) with vulnerable people, mostly children, who were in need of love, care and protection.
I don't know where we can go from here, but, if you think it may be helpful, perhaps setting up a "Hollymount reunited" would be a starting place.?? I would be happy to work with you on this and perhaps it may help you to have some insight and closer connection to your late mum! It is the sharing that offers some peace and something that, maybe, your mum found difficult. There must be many of us with information and detail to fill some of the unknown gaps for you. If you decide to consider this avenue, please contact me and maybe, we could go pm or meet up. As a six year old girl at the time of leaving Hollymount, memories and details are very vivid.
It was disturbing to hear about a book written about Hollymount with the words "labour of love" in the title!!
I will never completely get over the events there, but I have moved on and feel grateful that the cruelty I met at Hollymount has only served to ensure that our role in this world is to endeavour that we value, respect and treat people with love and dignity!!
Take care Jinxy and keep in touch.
Jomar X
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Hi Jomar
I too was disturbed to hear of the book A Labour Of Love' in regard to Hollymount. More like a 'Labour Camp' according to my mum. She would have been there in the 30s and possibly EARLY 40s, so wouldn't have been there at the same time as yourself I'm afraid.
I was never able to understand how and why when children are in such a vulnerable situation as being away from those who they love, they are then treated so badly.
For all that, my mum was a wonderful caring person, as was my auntie who sadly has also died now, and my uncle who is still alive. they all raised their families well.
As to a Hollymount reunited... not sure about that one. This thread seems to have brought quite a few people of like together, I hope that one or two of the other posters get in touch with you also.
How sad that you were orphaned at such a young age, (although its bad at any age). Brilliant that you didn't let any of those early events blight your life.
will PM you
Jinxy
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hi Jomar,
I,m sorry to hear that you were in Hollymount, my gran and her sister was there in 1910 there about. I have the book labour of love its about experience of a woman that was in there from 1920's on wards. Yes they were subject to hard work and strict order but the nuns they couldn't give true love as they had to distance themselves from the children, so they didn't favour anyone. I know from what the book say's they took them out for picnic's etc and give them education. Which when my gran was young her elder sister and brother were starving and didn't have any education they weren't in the convant. The convant relied on sponcers and money from people to keep the place running. I did find the book very interesting, yes I got upset in some places what the children went though but which could be worse them being on the street fending for them selves in them days.
The time that you were in must of been different from the early days so I cannot speak of what experience you had and what it was like, and I,m sorry that you had that experience.
But from what my gran told me she was glad she was there, yes she had some bad times but it didn't stop her from keep visiting them in her later days when she had my mum. My mum still has the bible that my gran had from when she was in the convant.
My book is on loan at the moment so I,m unable to send you any photo's out of it, but if you go to Bury Libruary and ask for it , it cost £3.50 I haven't got the other book yet that migy told me about.
You also said you are trying to find your family, have you got your birth cert and has it been doctored. My grans was it said she was born 1908 but infact she was born 1907.
Find out who your parents were and where they lived at the time you were born, it is going to be hard as the census records only go upto 1901 but the new census is coming out in 1912 which might be of more help to you. Are you on genes they have a find family and friends section which people have got in contact with each other.
I hope I have given you some help.
Donna
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Hi Donna
Thank you for your posting which I found extremely interesting.
I'm not quite sure what to say to you in that, although, as you say, some effort was made to feed and clothe the children, much has gone unsaid. Perhaps it was better than being on the streets. Perhaps the nuns couldn't offer the essence of what all children need as there were so many of us.
I too went back occasionally to take some children out for a day and offer some respite to them. I always took those children who were described as "bad children who didn't deserve to go". Perhaps I was rebel fighting back against the veil of hypocrasy. Don't be offended please but I know how it was. I am also not too naive to recognise that there were odd moments of reasonable treatment and particularly outings like picnics and a trip to Freshfields. But these were not for everyone and often some of us were deemed "too wicked" to go even at four, five and six years of age!!
However, I'm pleased that some had a different experience and am sure they will give their own credence to that.
I am not a victim of those events by any means - simply because it taught me that the well-being of children is paramount in all areas of their development, spiritual, emotional and physical. Perhaps the rebel in me gave me strength and determination in later life. For that
alone, I am grateful.
Yes, I do have some info re my mother, although it is very limited. Thank you for your suggestions which I will certainly explore.
Take care
Jomar
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Image removed as it may infringe copy rights
Migky ;)[/b]
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Hello, jomar
I just wanted to say that I am positive that you are not the only one whose memories of their time spent at Holly Mount are somewhat less than blissful - as, indeed, evidenced by some of the earlier posts. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to find a forum where it is possible to exchange views which may differ from the official/standard take on events, and I sincerely hope that you will have some replies from fellow 'rooters' whose experience (first or second hand) resonates with yours.
The very best of luck with your venture, and take care.
CeeJay2
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Hi CeeJay2, Can i ask did you or any of your family spend time in Hollymount? As it is always good to hear all views on any who spent time in Hollymount. I am always looking for any photos of children who were in Hollymount. The more people i can find and talk to about there time of family in there the better as it gives me great insight on maybe how my mothers life was back then. As there are no records( we none to speak of ) I maybe lucky one day and find some who spent time there with my mother or maybe a picture of her as a child but that might be wishfull thinkin
Migky ;)
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Hello CeeJay2
It was kind of you to say what you did and I do appreciate your sincerity. Thank you!
Like Migky, I wonder if you have any knowledge of family, friend or,maybe yourself, with direct experience of how it was at Hollymount? As you may have seen, Jinxy (fellow rooter), certainly has had some clear insight from her own family which strongly resonates with mine.
Mighy's photos are quite something!! These will be of tremendous help to many looking to make sense of their own or loved ones' lives back then.
Thank you CeeJay2
Take care
Jomar
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Hi there Migky
I noticed that you responded to CeeJay2 regarding info or insight into life at Hollymount! Perhaps also you might find a post to Jinxy helpful. I, personally, was there and have very strong memories. If you wish, I could PM you rather than open forum. If I can be of any help please let me know.
Thank you again for all your hard work re photos!
Take care
Jomar
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Hi Mighy
Yes, I can imagine your mum will have some difficult and unhappy memories but thankfully, she is able to share them with you. That sharing will be very much a part of healing for her. I was there between 1943 - 1949!
I had some prob sending you PM so will limit the content of this info. For me, Hollymount was a cold, hard and uncaring place. It still haunts with memories of hunger, unkindness (bordering on down right cruelty) and I doubt if anyone left there feeling of any worth. Thankfully, like your mum, I have a family who are special! I have had a career working as a child psychologist and childrens' wellbeing, protection and security are very important to me. I will, when I sort it out, find a way to give you more detail when I can PM you.
Don't worry about photos. You have done so much, and no one can call u lazy! I know you will forward them as and when you are able. So sorry that I haven't got any to pass on to you! It wasn't something we were given in those days.
Thank you Migky and best wishes to your mum
Jomar
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Hello, Migky
Are you one of the people who are running Roots Chat? If so, permit me to offer my compliments on the creation and/or operation of a well-designed site that functions smoothly and is pleasing to the eye.
Unfortunately, I am not able to assist you directly, as my own roots lie well outside the United Kingdom. However, I do have a friend who once resided at Holly Mount, and I shall mention this thread to him. I am certain you will understand, though, that any decision to share any of his recollections via this site can only be taken by him, not by me.
I wish you good luck with your endeavour, particularly with your search for photographs.
CeeJay2
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Hello, jomar
Thank you for your response. As I have indicated in my reply to Migky, I am not in a position to furnish any particulars regarding life at Holly Mount.
Knowing someone with first-hand experience to me confirms the fact that children who are in need of care are vulnerable in more ways than one, and that, at times, it may be difficult to find a hearing for those whose feed-back on their experience may not consist entirely of praise.
I wish you every success with your venture.
CeeJay2
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Hi CeeJay2, in answer to your question of me been one of the constructors of this site. I can lay no claim to that, i am just a member of the site like 1000's of other people from around the world. My input is but a small one and not always the right one, but i do try to help others where ever possible.
Images removed as it may infringe copy rights
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I have traced my aunt, Sarah Brennan, to Hollymount in the mid-30's: the Catholic Society were very helpful. However, I don't know what happened to her: she was still in there at the age of 14, when most young people were starting work. The family story is that she was 'adopted' and went to Ireland - got married and went to the USA. My father lost all contact with her after the '40's, so she is one of our 'blank walls'.
Does anyone remember a Sarah Brennan?
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Hi Dibley, some of the girls when they were ready for leaving Hollymount started work in the laundry house and stayed there till they were 17 years old. this is what my mother tells me. His your relation still alive? I will ask my mother if she remembers the name or if she was there at the same time as my mother. I am not sure of how much info you got from the catholic society ? as all we got was the date my mother started school and the date she finished, This did not mean that my mother left that date , just she finished school then.
Migky ;)
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Hello everyone
My mother was at Hollymount in the 1950s and I have recently started to try and find info/old friends for her and came across this site! I have not read through all of the posts yet but will be really interested in finding any photos or contacts to anyone who was at the home around the same time as her. Her name then was Gwyneth Lewis, her sisters Megan and Beryl Lewis and her brother Howards Lewis were also at the home. My mother is now 63 and her brother Howard 60, I don't have exact dates but she tells me that they were there in the 50's. Their sister Megan unfortunantly died last year and Beryl some 20 or so years ago. My Mum has some fairly bad memories of the home and of the mental and physical abuse that they all suffered. I have just ordered the labour of love book for her. If anyone remembers her or can point me in the direction of any photos etc please let me know. I am fairly sure that she once told me that she was head girl at the convent! Thanks Emma
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My mother was at Hollymount Convent from about 1902 till 1915 or later. (In tottington, Lancashire ) I have some picture of parts of the convent at that time. If anyone would like a copy email me at my email debiasio@shaw.ca
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Hi Debi and welcome to Rootschat. That is a very kind offer you have made.People always seem to amaze me. There very first post and it is an offer of help. I would love to take you up on it. I have emailed you this morning. Just so i do not upset anyone, are these pictures copy right free? As i know of other people on differant web site that may want them posting and wouldn't want to breach copy rights?
Thanks once again for your offer. and if there is any thing i can help with, please ask or if you need any of the pictures if have (from books ) please ask.
Migky ;)
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HI My mother was probably there at the same time I thnk she was there from about 1902 to 1915 ish... I have some pictures. Do you?
Hi micky,
My gran was in Holymount when she was 4yrs old that was in 1911. I noticed someone mentioned the book Labour of love to you. I bought it at bury libruary for £3.50 and its very interesting. As for getting the list of people who were in the convant I,m also at a loss as from what my gran said when she was a live her sister was in there too. My grans name was Edith Alice Cocker and her sister was called Janet.
I hope this helps
Donna
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Over the next few weeks i will be putting together all the census for Holly Mount (1891/1901 & 1911) That way if any one need people looking up , just ask as i should have them all.
I will also be trying to do the same for Buckley Hall Catholic boys Orphanage, Rochdale for the same years. And at some time in the future for maybe other homes/orphanages in and around Manchester.
Migky ;)
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Can anyone help me with finding any more details ,My G G Mother Edith Jones put My Great Aunty Doreen aged 4 October 3rd 1916 and Millicent Habour Jones My Grand mother aged 3 November 4th 1916 into Swinton Industrial Schools for destitute children . I have found the entry in the ledgers at the records office in Preston. She had put them in the name of Jones.
1/01/1922 they were transferred to Holly Mount Convent Children's home for rescued children.
I have been told that the rerords are hold at Catholic Children's Rescue Office at Parrs Wood Didsbury,Manchester. If so do you know if I can visit.
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I am not sure if they would welcome visitors but you can find more infomation on this thread with a contact number to phone about you inquiries?
Migky ;)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,359733.msg2410102.html#msg2410102
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Hi Migky,i recieved the records from Holly Mount,its made more questions than its answered!!! says Ethel was reccomended by Chorlton Union,she was sent to Holly Mount when she was 4 (1913) and left in 1916!!!!!!!!! I've rang CCRS left messages ,but no joy yet,very rude i think!!
All i can think of is that maybe Ethel was "farmed out" to a local family,what do you think,was this the norm,kind regards Lisaxxx
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Hi Migky,i recieved the records from Holly Mount,its made more questions than its answered!!! says Ethel was reccomended by Chorlton Union,she was sent to Holly Mount when she was 4 (1913) and left in 1916!!!!!!!!! I've rang CCRS left messages ,but no joy yet,very rude i think!!
All i can think of is that maybe Ethel was "farmed out" to a local family,what do you think,was this the norm,kind regards Lisaxxx
Hi Migky,seems that Ethel was living at 137 Holcombe rd in 1934 when she married my grandfather,possible that she was sent to live with the family who lived there in 1916,a bit of a long shot i know but the same family may be there in 1911,any chance you have records for this,would be most grateful if you would look for me,kind regards peggytoofxxx
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Hi Peggy, will send you my email addy in pm, that way i can send you what i find ok
Migky
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Hi, I was just browsing this site. My late mother Sheila Brennan was in the convent school in the 30's- I would imagine until the early 30's actually as she trained as a nurse in London before the war. I don't though think it's a mistaken name- Sarah/ Sheila- as I don't think she had any siblings. I'd be curious though if anybody's research has thrown up her name. Robert
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Hi,i was in the childrens home at holly mount from 1952/1960,for me it was a great place and have lots of happy memories,anyone looking for more info on the home ,try friends reunited site, you will see lots of pictures .
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Hi Migky,i recieved the records from Holly Mount,its made more questions than its answered!!! says Ethel was reccomended by Chorlton Union,she was sent to Holly Mount when she was 4 (1913) and left in 1916!!!!!!!!! I've rang CCRS left messages ,but no joy yet,very rude i think!!
All i can think of is that maybe Ethel was "farmed out" to a local family,what do you think,was this the norm,kind regards Lisaxxx
Hi Migky,seems that Ethel was living at 137 Holcombe rd in 1934 when she married my grandfather,possible that she was sent to live with the family who lived there in 1916,a bit of a long shot i know but the same family may be there in 1911,any chance you have records for this,would be most grateful if you would look for me,kind regards peggytoofxxx
chorlton union was a workhouse on nell lane in withington Manchester.later to become withington hospital.
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Thanks Claremont Boy,things are getting more & more strange!!
when i spoke to Hollymount they sent records that said Ethel was born at Chorlton union,but on her birth cert,obtained from my auntie,it says ,born 6 upper Brook st,south Manchester!!!!!!!!!!!!
unless Ethel was literally just a few days old on arrival there,& it was just easier to say she was born at Chorlton Union,any idea's, kind regards Peggytoofxxx
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Some info.
http://www.wythit.com/Sites/wythit/Objects/PDF/PoorLaw-records.pdf
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=3812&pageNumber=7
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Hi,i was in the childrens home at holly mount from 1952/1960,for me it was a great place and have lots of happy memories
From people i have spoken to and my mother, Hollymount was not a happy place for lots of children. The nun who ran the convent could be cruel, maybe it was a differant life for those who just attended the school and did not live there?
Thanks Claremont Boy,things are getting more & more strange!!
when i spoke to Hollymount they sent records that said Ethel was born at Chorlton union,but on her birth cert,obtained from my auntie,it says ,born 6 upper Brook st,south Manchester!!!!!!!!!!!!
unless Ethel was literally just a few days old on arrival there,& it was just easier to say she was born at Chorlton Union,any idea's, kind regards Peggytoofxxx
You could go to Manchester central library and look at the directories for the "Upper brook street" for the year she was born to see who lived there and also check out the electoral roll fro the same address? You might find it was some sort of instution for women as it is very close to st. Mary's hospital?
Migky ;)
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>:(Hi Everyone Just Found This Site And Have Been Reading All The Comments,
I And My Brother Were In The Hollymount Orphanage All During The Second World War But We Were Not Orphans When The War Was Over My Parents Came And Took Us Home, We Both Do Not Understand Why And My Parents Never Told Us Why We Were There Perhaps The War Have Tried To Find Information But My Mother Will Not Talk About It,We Were Treated As If We Were Teenagers Made To Work And Clean The Dorms And We Were Only Four And Five Year Old But I Must Admit That The Nuns Did Take Us To The Air raid Shelters Every Night But I Would Realy Like To Know Why We Were There And Check The Records Good Luck To All Will Keep Looking You All Up
PS Does Anyone Have A Photo Of Hollymount
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Hi & welcome, yes i have load of pictures but i removed them all as they may have infringe copy right on here.When you have another two post on rootschat you will be able to send me a private message with your email address in it. To help stop spamming please do not post your email address to this thread.
Migky ;)
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F.A.O Mikador ,if you want to see pics of the convent,log on to friends reunited and check the holly mount section,all the best with your search into why your were placed in the convent,
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I have just joined roots chat and have read through all the posts about HollyMount.
I am interested in finding out more information on Hollymount. My Dad was at Holly Mount around 1944 at the age of seven. We don’t know exactly when he was admitted or when he left or indeed why he was placed there, this is one of many gaps in the jigsaw we would like to piece together.
I would love to be able to see the pictures mentioned in some of the threads and wondered if anyone kept records of who attended Hollymount during the 1940's. We have no pictures of my Dad when he was young, in fact his family life didn’t seem to start until he met and married my Mum, it’s so sad. He said very little about his childhood in care because most of his memories were bad ones and quite upsetting to re-live.
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I would love to be able to see the pictures mentioned in some of the threads and wondered if anyone kept records of who attended Hollymount during the 1940's. We have no pictures of my Dad when he was young, in fact his family life didn’t seem to start until he met and married my Mum, it’s so sad. He said very little about his childhood in care because most of his memories were bad ones and quite upsetting to re-live.
Hi figinsyrup & welcome to rootschat. Like i have said before you need to post at least three time to any rootschats threads before you will be allowed to send PM's (private messages) After you have done this , you will be able to send me your email and so not post it on rootschat. As this is not allowed and helps to stop people been spammed with allsort of junk.
Secondly, i know what you mean when you say your father didn't want to talk about his time in care. From what i can piece together some people have good memories of Hollymount and others try and hide them in the farest part of the minds ( very unhappy one)
I removed any images off this site as the may or maynot have infringed copy right?
Any records for Holly mount can be found at this address.
The Catholic Children’s Rescue Society
390 Parrs Wood Road
Didsbury
Manchester M20 5NA
0161 445 7741
I hope they have your fathers and wish you luck.
Please let us know how you get on.
Migky ;)
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Thanks Migky, hopefully this will count as my second posting so just one more and I will pm you my email. I will also write to the Childrens Rescue Centre as suggested. Thanks very much for your help and I will let you know the outcome.
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Yes it does ;) and a reply to this and were all done ;D and less pain than the dentist too :o
Migky ;)
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Haha! My final message and no teeth harmed in the process. All I have to do now is read the instructions on how to pm so bear with me. :)
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Haha! My final message and no teeth harmed in the process. All I have to do now is read the instructions on how to pm so bear with me. :)
It is ok take your time, as i have to go now and won't be bak untill tomorrow.
You will soon get the hang of this.
Migky ;)
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Hi Migky
Just to let you know I have had a reply from the CCRS giving me details of when my Dad was admitted to Hollymount and subsequently discharged. It also mentions that Dad came under the Manchester Union branch of workhouses. I dont know if this is a standard entry for all Hollymount admissions or whether it's suggesting his mother was in a workhouse.
His grandmother's burial records give the address 20 Nell Lane and records show she was an inmate rather than a patient at Withington. I can't help wondering why Dads mother might possibly be in a workhouse when his father was in the forces, surely he was earning a wage? His last known address along with the grandmother before she went to the workhouse are the same and the grandfather was still alive so I assume he was living there too. I need to do more digging I think.
Anyway, I received the book 'A labour of love'. It was really interesting to see the pictures but some of the stories didnt relate to Dads memories! I dont recall him saying his time at Hollymount was happy!
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Hi figinsyrup, that is great news that you have managed to get some sort of record of your fathers time in Holly mount. Many people only get an admissions date for the school and not for the orphanage. The same can be said for the date they leave the school and not the time they left the Orphanage. As " For happy times" none of the books on Hollymount mention any sad times for the children, but who is going to tell us the sad times? I wonder if you have looked or know when your father was baptized or confermed into the R.C. church? If you don't, this could well have been done at ST. Hilda's ( which was Hollymounts parish church) This was at hollymount but later they built a new church in Tottington village around 1960. They have records of all and any baptisms and confermation that took place for Holly mount. If they only got confermed at Holly mount, they will have a record where any child was baptized. These records may hold other information on the child , like where living, who were parents were and any witness ?
Good luck and a great result for you.
Migky ;)
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OH! Not sure if i have mentioned this to you or not? But when the boys reached the age of 11 years old, they would have been sent to Rochdale. Buckley Hall Roman Catholic boys orphanage.
Might be worth checking into if you haven't allready.
Migky ;)
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No, I had no idea about this place, thanks very much, I will look them up and contact them today. Looking at the dates he was about 10/11 when he was discharged.
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Buckley hall is no longer a childrens home but changed to a prison ( don't think they had to alter much to make the chage ;D ) I would try the childrens trust for any records?
Migky ;)
CLICK4 BUCKLEY HALL STORY (http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/news/s/330/330175_orphanage_boys_will_never_be_forgotten.html)
CLICK 4 BUCKLEY HALL PRISON (http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/prisoninformation/locateaprison/prison.asp?id=238,15,2,15,238,0)
CLICK 4 BUCKLEY HALL BOOK (http://openlibrary.org/b/OL15196838M/history-of-Buckley-Hall%2C-Rochdale%2C-1887-1947)
Migky ;)
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Hi Migky
Thanks for the Buckley Hall links and for all your help Mgky. Having read the article in the Rochdale observer it seems Buckley Hall Closed as an orphanage in 1947. 1947 was when my Dad was discharged from Holly Mount so its touch and go whether he went to BH. There is a gap in his time-line between February and August 1947 so there is still a chance and I will follow up this contact as best I can. From late 1947 onwards he was bounced between Nazareth House Widnes and St Edmonds Bebbington, St Eddies in Broadgreen was also mentioned. You are correct in assuming he was baptized at St Hildas, I have a copy of his baptism certificate but no information of parents and addresses,this area was left blank. I still dont know exactly when or how old he was when he was taken/put into care and this is the area I want to concentrate on. I have a couple of addresses both of which are around the moss side area, one is where my Dad was born the other is the last known address of his father , but we are still unsure if his Mother was also at this address, we believe his Grandmother was at this address too before she went to the workhouse and died. My Dad always believed he wasnt wanted, I hope I can prove otherwise. :)
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Well my mother is now almost 79 years old and we are no nearer finding out why she was placed in Holly mount or anything on where she was in her first few years of life? Some questions will never be answered. All i know is i got 100% more love than she ever had as a child and just hope i have made up for some of the love she never received be it from her parents or any other person.
Migky ;)
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You're right of course, I probably will never find all the answers and deep down I am prepared for this. Its only right that I dont get too obsessed in finding out about my Dads past and miss out on him in the here and now. Despite being deprived of love as a child my Dad has always been a giver of love, he adores children and is a brilliant granddad. Infact I think he probably makes for a better kid now than when he should have been one officially! If you get what I mean!!
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You're right of course, he adores children and is a brilliant granddad. Infact I think he probably makes for a better kid now than when he should have been one officially! If you get what I mean!!
Well we all have more time for our grandchildren than our own children. Life is such a rush and finding time to be all we can to our children has to take second place to providing for them at times.
Migky a very happy granddad ;D
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hi every on just to let you know theres a new book about hollymount called holly mount alpha omega & Phoenix there is a list of all the
children buried in the cemetery there and the original layout of the plots. the book cost £15 from st hilda's tottington if any one has any
photographs from the 1950 i would love to see them so i could show my children and grand children a school group photo would be great
but i think that would be to much to hope for .so hard to find any thing to do with the convent or i should say any thing to do with the
children that were in the convent
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That same book is available from bury library and has been for a while, unless this is a differant book altogether?
Migky