adoptions in Dorset

[aussiegirl10]

My Query is,
I have an Alice Warwick born to a Richard and Sarah Warrick in 1874.
Sarah was remarried i to a Frank Brewer, alice was in this household. in the 1881 census

Richards brother Charles was married to a Elizabeth Young

Alice was adopted by a Harriet Young  according to the 1901 census.
Would this adoption have been legalised, and if so where would I find a reference for this.  I have searched a2a(access to the Archives with no success)
Regards Tracey

[Tati]

Hi Tracey,

I think legal adoption started only 1927.

Tanja 

[aussiegirl10]

Tanja,

It is interesting to note, that Alice,s mother Elizabeth died in 1878,
in 1881 she was listed as a lodger in the Flemington household.(another family name)  but listed as the adopted daughter of Harriett Young in 1901.

I think Harriett is her grandmother.
Your thoughts on this please.

[aussiegirl10]

Can I amend that,
she was down as NIECE  in the flemington household.

[Tati]

Hi Tracey,

I'm lost!     
In 1881 she is age 7, born Cranborne, 'daughter' in the household of Frank and Sarah Brewer, along with a George Warwick age 5. 

You say her mother Elizabeth died in 1878? I presume there is a mistake somewhere.

Are you sure she's the same person as the adopted daughter in 1901, who is 4 years out?

I can see a girl matching the 1901 census find on the 1891 census:
RG12/925 50 16
Swathling, Hampshire
John Young, head, 63, Farm servant, b. Horton Dorset
Harriet, wife, 65, b. Christchurch Hants
Alice M M Warwick, granddau, 13, b. Thru Cross Dorset

Was your Alice named Alice M M?

I can't find the record where she is a niece to Flemlingtons 

Tanja 

[Tati]

Going back to 1881, John and Harriett have a granddaughter Alice Wood age 3 born Wimborne Dorset living with them... the mystery deepens! 

[Tati]

OK, have found Alice in 1891. Given the above Alice Warwick already with the Young family in 1891, I don't think she's the same person as the adopted daughter on the 1901 census...

Tanja 
 

[aussiegirl10]

Sorry to confuse you, I am even confusing myself.

Alice,s mother was Sarah Warrick(nee Flemington)
remarried Frank Brewer in 1870

Elizabeth Young was her Aunty,

Alice born in 1874.                 1n 1881 Daughter in Brewer household. aged 7

1891 Niece in Flemington Household aged 17.

 In 1901 Adopted daughter of Harriett Young age 23, which would make her birth date 1878.  However I still tend to think this her my alice.

[Tati]

Up to you to decide but if she was mine I would rule her out, given that there are 2 Alice War(wi/r)cks in 1891, one of the right age as niece to a family you are sure of, and one a few years out already with the Young family...

Tanja