Old Man's Asylum, Blackfriars, Glasgow

[Clare Fowler]

Hi there,

Does anyone have any information about the 'Old Man's Asylum' in Blackfriars District of Glasgow?  I have a death certificate with this given as place of death in 1898 (assuming usual place of residence as no other address given), but have no more information about it.  I have tried googling it, but get no useful information.

The rest of the man's family lived at 82 George Street at this time.  I am trying to work out why he wasn't with them.  And also why his death certificate shows him as single when his wife was alive and well...  I am hoping that working out more about his place of death will help me start to unravel the mystery.

Cheers,
Clare

[RJ_Paton]

I must admit that its one I hadn't heard of before  although if you Google on the phrase "Old Mans Asylum" there are several posts from people whose relaives died there sometime between 1881 and 1902. There is also the inscription from the tomb of the Proprietor of the Owner of the "Blackfriars Old Mans Asylum" a Mr Patrick who is buried in the Southern Necropolis. This would appear to indicate that it was a private institution and perhaps the only way his family could get him in was to declare him single.

[Clare Fowler]

Thanks Falkyrn,

That was about all I had managed to find as well.  I wonder if the Mitchell would have any references to it, or if it is unlikely as it looks like a private institution  

I hadn't thought about the aspect that the family had actually tried to get him in there.  I always assumed that his wife had kicked him out!!  I had another look at the death cert and his death was notified by a niece from England.  I wonder if this means he was indeed disowned

Cheers,
Clare

[RJ_Paton]

The "Old Mans and Old Womans Homes" was at 81 Rottenrow in 1927 the Superintendant. of the place was Mr John White.
This was the official name rather than Asylum and may offer more information

I have also found several references to "Old Man's Friends Society" which was a charitable institution set up to aid the natives of the city who having been previously of good character had fallen upon hard times.

I wonder if this is the same place ... if it is the records would appear to be with Glasgow University.

NRA 20329
Incorporated Glasgow Old Man's Friend Society and Old Women's Home
Survey NRA(S)1415

[RJ_Paton]

The 1913/14 valuation rolls confirm 81-83 Rottenrow , Glasgow as the premises of the "Old Mans and Old Womens Homes" and list the premises as an Asylum.

The tenants are described as the trustees of the Old Mans Friends Society.

[Clare Fowler]

Many thanks again Falkyrn,

I was at a course in the Glasgow Uni Archives a couple of weeks ago, so I might have to pay them a visit to look for this also.  I had planned to look at the Wylie and Lochhead records anyway to see if I could find out more info about the burial.

Hopefully this will help put the pieces of this puzle together.

Cheers,
Clare

[runner]

Can I just put in a comment here.?

The word 'Asylum' tends to have very negative connotations. A better view of the place might be to compare it to a Model Lodging house. Spartan, lacking in amenities but a safe refuge for the old and/or enfeebled but not the equivalent of a Lunatic Asylum. At least the Mental asylum tried to offer some surcease from their affliction.

Russell

[Clare Fowler]

Hi Russell,

I agree - the term asylum tends to be viewed differently today than it probably was then, and so I am inclined to think that he was there due to being poor, or just old.  However, I still can't work out why my ancestor was there when his wife and kids were only living a few streets away    Why weren't they looking after him...

Cheers,
Clare

[RJ_Paton]

It is still possible that your original hypothesis is correct ... due to a family fight he was thrown out and the only means of obtaining shelter other than putting himself in the poorhouse was a charitable institution such as the "Old Mans Friends" and their Hostel/Asylum.

Given the reputation that the poorhouse/workhouse had I believe that many people would have tried any alternative to provide for themselves rather than submit to what was alleged to be the lowest of the low.

I remember speaking to an old lady who was to go into hospital and she was desperate that she not be taken to the hospital annexe building as in her childhood it had been the local workhouse and in her words (the only way out of there was feet first" (ie in your coffin)