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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Shropshire => Topic started by: alveleyhistorian on Monday 20 February 12 09:58 GMT (UK)

Title: Amateur Midwifes Court Case 1913- Alveley - help please
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Monday 20 February 12 09:58 GMT (UK)

Hi there,
Before the 1960's most babies were born at home.
Some towns villages were lucky to have a midwife living not far away, but other villages were not so lucky..so therefore some of the local ladies 'with knowledge' lent a hand..but if a lady was discovered to be an 'amateur midwife' and did it for money, she could be summoned to court.

In 1913, four ladies of Alveley were summoned for such offences ...
Esther E.Webb, Sarah A. Painter, Mary France and Annie Jarrett had a summons to appear at Bridgnorth Town Hall Court  on 5th April 1913..does anyone know any more about this case ?
I understand this case was quite high profile, so may have appeared in local newsapers ?? - Any help would be much appreciated  :) :) :)

Title: Re: Amateur Midwifes Court Case 1913- Alveley - help please
Post by: HeatherLynne on Monday 20 February 12 22:13 GMT (UK)

Well I'm afraid I have nothing to report but wanted you to know your post isn't being ignored  ;)

I looked on the London Gazette site and Old Bailey Online just in case there was anything but no luck.  I've also googled extensively but just keep coming up with this thread in response.

Good luck with your research!
Heather

Title: Re: Amateur Midwifes Court Case 1913- Alveley - help please
Post by: LAYZELL on Tuesday 21 February 12 10:11 GMT (UK)

Hi.

I will send your request to Alveley Historical Society to discuss at their next meeting. One of the extensive France family is active in the Society so may be able to help. Also Esther Webb maybe was related to the Blacksmith or the Quarry Master.

Regards
Alan Nicholls
See www.alveleyhistoricalsociety.co.uk for interesting articles about the village.

Title: Re: Amateur Midwifes Court Case 1913- Alveley - help please
Post by: Mr Gwynne Chadwick on Wednesday 22 February 12 19:35 GMT (UK)

Hi Margaret,

Here is the Court case (in four images) as reported in the 12 April 1913 issue of the Bridgnorth Journal.

Parts 1 & 2 shown below. Parts 3 & 4 in the following message.

Regards,
Gwynne

Title: Re: Amateur Midwifes Court Case 1913- Alveley - help please
Post by: Mr Gwynne Chadwick on Wednesday 22 February 12 19:38 GMT (UK)

Hi Margaret,

Here is the Court case (in four images) as reported in the 12 April 1913 issue of the Bridgnorth Journal.

Parts 1 & 2 in the previous message. Parts 3 & 4 below.

Regards,
Gwynne

Title: Re: Amateur Midwifes Court Case 1913- Alveley - help please
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Wednesday 22 February 12 22:21 GMT (UK)

Thank you Gwynne, that is really helpful, and very much appreciated  :) :) :)

Title: Re: Amateur Midwifes Court Case 1913- Alveley - help please
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Thursday 23 February 12 09:52 GMT (UK)

just a quick update - Three ladies were called to give evidence - Polly France, Esther Webb, and Sarah Painter - all three ladies had babies born during January and February 1913..Esther's baby boy died shortly after birth...