Retreat, Clapham

[Shertur]

Thanks Eric & Rob for your info.  I shall certainly make goos use of the map site as most of my ancestors come from London.

However, I was unable to open the studymore site.  Do you still have access Rob?  If so, were there any Bushnells mentioned?  I find it hard to believe they were living in a lunatic asylum as James was a coachman and at that time he and Ann had three children.  I suppose it was possible that Ann worked there, although no occupation has ever been mentioned for her.

I can give you more family info if needed.

Thanks

Christine

[Meriel]

Oh this is interesting. My great great grandmother was born at 'Retreat, Brixton Hill, Clapham' according to her birth certificate (born 1847). I always wondered about it but have never found any info.

[Meriel]

Further to Rob's info I have found this...click on 'Clapham Retreat' on the right to be taken to the information:

http://studymore.org.uk/3_06.htm#ClaphamRetreat

Mx

[Shertur]

Well, Meriel,  I'm amazed, how did you find that?

The puzzling thing is that of all the staff and inmates mentioned on that site at the 1841 census, my ancestors do not appear.

Also, on the 1841 census proper, James is listed as a male servant, and his wife and three children are also listed.  Surely they wouldn't have all lived there if one of them was a lunatic?  James went on to become a Coachman and they had several more children, so it dosen't seem to tie up.

Any more thoughts please?

Regards

Christine

[Lotherington]

The 1841 census has my family living in Retreat, Clapham.  Checking online it appears that this may have been a lunatic asylum, but the list of inhabitants covers several pages, with families and employed people included.

Can anyone help me with info about Retreat?

The census ref is HO 107/1053/7 and the names are James, wife Ann and children William, Henry & George Bushnell.  Also can anyone tell me what the initials in the employment column mean - looks like F S.  James was a coachman.

Many thanks

Christine

Hi Christine
I know this is a long time since your query but just in case you're still looking there were some houses called Waterloo Retreat in Clapham. The houses were tucked down Waterloo Place. Sadly the area was redeveloped and Waterloo Retreat disappeared. This link should take you to a photo in Wandsworth Archives boroughphotos.org/wandsworth/waterloo-retreat-c1900
 Cheers, Caroline