Military camp or prison? Shorncliffe camp

[gazza]

1901 census lists 95% of people as relationship "inmate".
Were soldiers  usually refered to  in this way on the  census?
Were they military prisoners ? I have my doubts as some of the listee's are wives (unless they're MP's/guards wives).Also there are well over 4000 listed,which seems rather alot of prisoners to me.
Any thoughts anyone?
Thanks
Gazza

[casalguidi]

There was certainly a convict station at Shorncliffe camp 1850s ie. 1851 census but I am not sure about 1901.  With the number there in 1901, I would think that they were "just" the soldiers and their families listed as an institution rather than individually.  Also, I would expect prisoners to be listed as prisoner rather than inmate 

Best wishes

Casalguidi

[Floss]

One of my ancestors was born at Shorncliffe Camp in 1876. I always presumed it was an army base because his father was in the military.

Fiona

[PaulineJ]

How about it being a hospital camp? Could be the wounded from the Boer war.

Pauline

[PassionPlay]

To my knowledge (and I live locally), Shorncliffe Camp has always been a military base.  It is currently occupied by Gurkhas.

Here are a couple of reference points for you

http://www.sandgate-kent.org.uk/shorn1.htm

http://www.juroch.demon.co.uk/folkestone.htm

Also if you search for Shorncliffe in http://www.regiments.org/ there will be all sorts of references to the various regiments who have been stationed there.

Cheers, Stephanie.

[gazza]

Thanks for your thoughts so far.
 The person I am interested in on the list gives birth place as London!
I imagine some military records will lie somewhere for individuals on this census??

[casalguidi]

Yes, Gazza

A good place to start is the National Archives at Kew who hold the army records.  See, amongst others, the following information leaflet:

http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=14

If it's too common a name (as it was on my last visit searching army records for an ancestor), you might need to get a more precise date/place of birth before embarking on a search.  I assume you have the regiment from the census    The appropriate regimental museum may also have some information as to which section was stationed there if it is something with lots of possibilities like the Royal Artillery.

Best wishes

Casalguidi

[gazza]

I think I have found out now. I beleive it was a camp which would have held many different regiments. Probably an embarkation point. I will explain how in a new thread. Thanks for all your help on this one.

[hlbradd]

My father was at Shorncliffe (or Shorecliffe as he pronounced it) around 1955/6.  This was after his spell in Egypt just before he finished his National Service.

helen