N0RTHAMPTON - Home for illegitimate babies

[rosiebud]

No, it wouldn't as I hadn't got a clue what it's name was .  There must have been an awful lot of those places around in those days. Thanks again Sandy. Rosie

[seahall]

Hi again.

After just reading a book with some details about the
Diocese of Peterborough, it said that they had an
adoption agency at Langham Place, called Spencer Leeson house.

This would have been on what was also named as on the Barrack Road.

Above the door there could have been an inscription saying

"Abandon hope all ye who enter here" ?

Ring any bells Janet.

Sandy

[Jellis]

I know the row of houses but I don't remember an inscription.  It could be I never looked!

I wonder if an old street directory might help, though I think the Local History room is closed at the moment while they move it all downstairs.

Nice to hear from you, Sandy.  Hope you are well.

[retepniltub]

.

[retepniltub]

Hi Rosie

In 1962 while a schoolboy I did a grocery round for a small grocers shop (Merrimans) in Harleston Road, St James, Northampton.
Just up the road from there was a home for unmarried mothers, it was on a corner with I think Holyrood Road. It was nearly opposite to Spencer School.

I do not know much about the place as it was always kept as a secret from me.

I hope that helps

Peter

[Thornbird4]

Hello Rosie

There was a Home on Harlestone Road called Elmleigh.   It was almost next door to the Nazareth House Children's Home but unconnected.  My mum worked there as a cook for many years.   I remember going in with her on occasion and some of the girls being very young.  They came from all over the country and mum used to say that they were being hidden away there through shame!!   I think it was a private Home so many of the girls came from wealthy families.  This would have been very early 60's.     It was owned by a family called Glover. 

Elmleigh is still there and looks the same from the front but I think it is a private residence now. 

Thornbird4

[hertford]

I taught at Spencer School in the 1960s.There were various institutions of this kind, in St James and Dallington. There was also one for girls in local authority care because their parents were unable to care for them and another known as the naughty boy's homeI have taught them all.

[Traceyelizabeth]

Hello.  I was born at St Saviours Home for Unmarried Mothers in 1961.  The address is 103 Harlestone Road, Northampton.  It is now a convent although the nuns are very welcoming!  It was featured in Long Lost Family in 2011.  I have set up a f/b page for St Saviours Mother and Baby Home very recently to allow people to tell their stories/find each other.  Not sure if I'm allowed to post that one here?  sorry if not!!

[Traceyelizabeth]

A list of homes in the Northampton area: 
There were a number of Unmarried Mothers Homes in the Northampton area:
 
Elmleigh.
114 Harleston Road
Northampton.
(It was run and/or used by the National Adoption Society)
 
St Saviour's
103 Harleston Road
Kingsthorpe
Northampton.
(Run and/or used by Leicester Diocesan Board of Social Responsibility
 C of E diocese Peterborough)
 
Spencer Leeson House
11-12 Langham Place
Northampton.
(Run and/or used by Peterborough Diocesan Family and Social Welfare Council)
 
9 St George's Avenue
Northampton.
(As above)