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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: fiona g on Saturday 15 June 19 15:12 BST (UK)

Title: Records for boarded out children, 1940s
Post by: fiona g on Saturday 15 June 19 15:12 BST (UK)

Hi,

My mum and her sister, both deceased, were boarded out to an aunt and her family at some point about 1945/1950 in Dryfesdale now Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire. They lived with their aunt until they each turned 16, then moved out to board with employers, working as domestic servants. Their aunt was paid to look after them.

Can anybody help with where i could find their boarding out records ?
Thanks for any help

Fiona

Title: Re: Records for boarded out children, 1940s
Post by: Wendy2305 on Saturday 15 June 19 16:10 BST (UK)

Sorry I don't know the answer but a few thoughts
Were your grandparents deceased at the time they went to live with their aunt there maybe court records which possibly could be held at National records of Scotland or have you contacted the local council they maybe able to tell you if there would be records and where they are although as it is within 100 years not sure how accessible they will be

Title: Re: Records for boarded out children, 1940s
Post by: Treetotal on Saturday 15 June 19 16:14 BST (UK)

I agree, the Fostering and Adoption team for the area Local Council would be a good start.
Carol

Title: Re: Records for boarded out children, 1940s
Post by: andrewalston on Saturday 15 June 19 16:18 BST (UK)

A reminder that "aunt" and "uncle" may be honorific titles rather than an indication of a blood relationship.

When I was a child every friend of my parents automatically gained one of these titles. Using them rather than trying to explain adoption or fostering may have been simpler all round.

Title: Re: Records for boarded out children, 1940s
Post by: fiona g on Saturday 15 June 19 16:19 BST (UK)

Hi Wendy,

Mum & her sister were both illigitimate. Their mother was still alive when they boarded with their aunt, not sure where she was though.
Thank you for the advise on where to try for the records. Pity if there is the 100year rule.

Fiona

Title: Re: Records for boarded out children, 1940s
Post by: fiona g on Saturday 15 June 19 16:24 BST (UK)

Thank you Carol & Andrew for your replies.

Carol, I will try the Dumfries Council when im on holiday.

Andrew, I get what you are suggesting but it was a blood aunt they lived with.

Thanks again.

Fiona

Title: Re: Records for boarded out children, 1940s
Post by: aghadowey on Sunday 16 June 19 12:30 BST (UK)

Consider that although the aunt was paid to look after the children it might have just been some sort of family arrangement and no paperwork exists.
Some things which you might have already thought about-
Was aunt married/had children of her own? if so do any of her family know anything?
Other relatives know anything? (even if younger perhaps heard something or been told something by a now deceased relative)