Chorlton on Medlock Penitentiary

[twopins]

Hi all, can anyone give me some information on the penitentiary in Chorlton on Medlock.  My Great Great Aunt Caroline Axon was there for the 1891 census although her surname is listed as ARON on the actual census.  All is says that she is an inmate, is there anywhere I can find out why she was in there?.  In 1901 she was in a work house in Gt Ancoats st.  I would like to find out why this was.
any information would be great
Cheers
Chris
Down Under

[Barbara.H]

Hi Chris

http://www.manchester-family-history-research.co.uk/new_page_5.htm

scroll down to the heading 'Manchester and Salford Penitents Asylum'

I expect the records mentioned will be in Manchester Library which is closed at the moment (explaination on the Home page of the same website) and here, stickied at the top of the Lancashire board.

  Barbara

[suzard]

Maybe she was in the workhouse as she was unemployed and homeless
The census states at the side of female names -"these women take their share in the work of the institution until situations can be found for them"
Caroline is listed as "General Servant Domestic & waterproof garment maker"

Suz