St Claires convent, Holywell

[rhovin]

My late Mother was sent to St Clare's Convent Orphanage School, Pantasaph from Birkenhead in 1926. I think she stayed there until the early 1930's. The Archives at Birkenhead state she was sent to St Clare's for 'domestic training'. As I was adopted, I know nothing else about Mum's time at St Clare's and I have read with interest, and written to BBC North Wales 'Ask a Local' - no-one seems to have any idea where the records of her time there are now. If, indeed any records were kept at all. I assume the only record kept was a School record.  If anyone does discover the whereabouts of these records, please let me know.

Many thanks

H

[SilverFeather]

Hello,

I'm new to rootschat but may be able to offer a bit more info. I visited Pantasaph Friary (over the road from the convent) last month to visit my ancestor's graves. Two of my Great Aunts were sent to St Clare's and are shown there on the 1901 census. We got chatting to a couple that we met there and the lady was able to tell me that the convent was run by a Dutch order of nuns called "Our lady of charity." Although the convent has now been turned into housing there are apparently some Nun's left on the site. I intend to write to them and see if they can give me any info. Just thought you might like to know. 

[rhovin]

Thanks for your post. If you do have any luck with obtaining any information regarding the records of St Clare's Pantasaph, please respond.  Good luck

[silvery]

Oh please do let us know if you find out anything.   I also recently learned from a friend of mine that her mum was there as well in about the 1920/30s.   There are a lot of people who would really appreciate more information.   But I believe the Catholics are quite protective (is that the right word?) of their information.

[rhovin]

I have written to numerous Roman Catholic institutions re St Clare's records and no-one seems to know where records are kept. As I have already said, I too, would be glad to have any relevant informatin as to there wherabouts.

H

[celia]

Catholic records are known to be hard to find,there is a standing joke that they are kept under lock & key or under the floorboards
 Joking aside When anything Catholic closes I believe there is a Catholic (only) Archives like the one on this link
http://www.catholic-history.org.uk/crs/index.htm
But they do tend to always make a charge.

They do have some records for St Clare

Celia

[rhovin]

Hello Celia

Thanks for the info. I am just about to do a search on the records of the web site you recommended. If you do hear anything more re St Clare's records, please let me know. A lot of people would like to know their whereabouts.

H

[celia]

H
May i suggest you contact the lovely staff in the Birkenhead archives.I don't think they will hold the records,but no harm in asking.

Celia

http://www.wirral.gov.uk/LGCL/100009/200111/content_0002044.html

[celia]

Loopy Loo has just remembered she is on the Wales board, so disregard my post above the archives wont have the records

Celia