Dorward's House of Refuge

[Citizen Smith]

Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction for records of Dorward's House of Refuge in Montrose? Or know how the system of parish relief linked to inmates of the House of Refuge?

I'm interested in the period between 1881-1884. My Great, great Grandmother's brother, Michael Allen went into the House of Refuge following the death of his elderly parents and died there in 1884 aged 45.

I'd like to find out if records exist, either for Dorward's itself or the Parish Relief records (if an application would have been made by that route). Michael was born in Marykirk (Kincardineshire) but lived in Montrose.

Thanks

Sarah

[robo196]

hi there on findmypast 1881 census its gives you the people in the refuge at that time there are 82 people in total but no Michael allen

[MonicaL]

Hi Sarah

Archives here might help http://archive.angus.gov.uk/historyaa/archives/

A little description and history on Dorward House here www.dorwardhouse.com/about-history.html   Sure you have this, but just as background here 

This link to google books www.rootschat.com/links/01i7s/ gives a insight in the 1850s to how it was set up, managed and funded.

Monica

[Rosinish]

Hi Sarah,

I'm interested in the period between 1881-1884. My Great, great Grandmother's brother, Michael Allen went into the House of Refuge following the death of his elderly parents and died there in 1884 aged 45.

Sorry I can't help with your query but I descend from Allan's from both Kincardine & Aberdeen.
I haven't fully researched them yet but can you give me Michael's parents please?
I'm curious if there could be a connection.

Annie

[Citizen Smith]

Thanks Robo96. At the time of the 1881 census Michael is in Murray St, Montrose. But he dies at Dorwards in 1884 so must have moved there at some point from 1881, hence my time frame for records.

Sarah

hi there on findmypast 1881 census its gives you the people in the refuge at that time there are 82 people in total but no Michael allen

[Citizen Smith]

Thanks for those links Monica.

I've read a fair bit about the history of the place already but, as I'm visiting the north-east in a couple of weeks, am trying to track down the records if they exist.

I'd like to shine a light on Michael as he begins as a scholar and trainee law clerk in Montrose but later lives with his parents, has no occupation and is referred to as "imbecile" on the censuses. I'd like to find out why.

Sarah

Hi Sarah

Archives here might help http://archive.angus.gov.uk/historyaa/archives/

A little description and history on Dorward House here www.dorwardhouse.com/about-history.html   Sure you have this, but just as background here 

This link to google books www.rootschat.com/links/01i7s/ gives a insight in the 1850s to how it was set up, managed and funded.

Monica

[Citizen Smith]

Annie

Here's some background. Do let me know if there's a match.

Michael' parents were Michael Allen from Almer, Dorset (Allen with an "e" - tho sometimes transcribed as the more Scottish Allan) who was a gamekeeper at Invergaldie and then an innkeeper in Montrose. His mother was Mary Ann Leys from Marykirk, Kincardineshire. He had siblings Sarah, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jane and Martha. Sarah married Anthony Trail. Martha (my line) married James Allardice.

Hi Sarah,

I'm interested in the period between 1881-1884. My Great, great Grandmother's brother, Michael Allen went into the House of Refuge following the death of his elderly parents and died there in 1884 aged 45.

Sorry I can't help with your query but I descend from Allan's from both Kincardine & Aberdeen.
I haven't fully researched them yet but can you give me Michael's parents please?
I'm curious if there could be a connection.

Annie

[Rosinish]

Hi Sarah,

Michael' parents were Michael Allen from Almer, Dorset (Allen with an "e" - tho sometimes transcribed as the more Scottish Allan) who was a gamekeeper at Invergaldie and then an innkeeper in Montrose. His mother was Mary Ann Leys from Marykirk, Kincardineshire. He had siblings Sarah, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jane and Martha. Sarah married Anthony Trail. Martha (my line) married James Allardice.

Thanks for background info. but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any connection for the moment.

Annie

[Citizen Smith]

Always worth a check though, Annie! 😉

Sarah