1851 England Census Handwriting

[Pit_pat89]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to decipher a few lines in this census entry. It is for Favell Charles Forth Wordsworth. I believe he is listed as a 'nursing child', even though he is 8 years old. This age would be correct for him, so I am not thinking that the age listed is a mistake. I am also intrigued by the comment in the occupation section of the census which I believe says 'child at nurse'. If anyone could confirm this or offer other suggestions I would be appreciative. He is the son of a Hannah Barber, who is not listed here (or anywhere else I have found), and I'm guessing that the Francis and Susan Barber listed alongside Favell are her parents.

[Tickettyboo]

Slightly better scan confirms the transcription

Boo

[Neale1961]

Hannah Barber married in Melbourne in August 1853. (On her marriage, she names her parents as Francis and Susan Barber)
She had possibly emigrated before the 1851 census in England .

I cannot see her in the 1841 census. She was possibly employed as a servant somewhere.
Her illegitimate son Favell Charles Forth was baptised 25 Sep. 1842 in Marden Herefordshire.
In 1841, Hannah may have been living somewhere close to her son's father.


EDIT TO ADD -
In 1841 Charles Wordsworth 35, barrister is living in Princess Street, Lambeth, Surrey
He is with his wife Elizabeth, daughter Fanny and a servant Ann Towsey.



Anna Barber (Hannah) baptised 10 Sept 1815, Withington, Hereford, England
Parents Francis and Susan Barber


Susan GARNOULDS married Francis BARBER
19 May 1814 Withington, Hereford, England

[Pit_pat89]

Thank you both.

Yes, I've been trying to pinpoint the date she left England for some time. I have a letter that suggests Hannah and Charles left for New Zealand/Australia together in 1855, though I wonder if she hadn't already visited and late returned with her son.

I suspect Charles is illegitimate. I have a birth certificate that lists C. F. F. Wordsworth as the father, though have never found a marriage record for him and Hannah (though I have for his many other wives!).

Is it common for a child as old as 8 to be listed as a 'nursing child'?

[suey]

The term ‘nurse or nursing child’. Usually refers to a child sent to live with another family if parent or parents can’t look after them, often paid for….an informal kind of fostering.

[Neale1961]

Yes, I've been trying to pinpoint the date she left England for some time. I have a letter that suggests Hannah and Charles left for New Zealand/Australia together in 1855, though I wonder if she hadn't already visited and late returned with her son.

Hannah’s son Favell Charles Wordsworth arrived in Melbourne onboard “Jedo” in 1857 He was an unassisted passenger – so perhaps his father or new step-father paid his voyage.

I suspect Charles is illegitimate. I have a birth certificate that lists C. F. F. Wordsworth as the father, though have never found a marriage record for him and Hannah (though I have for his many other wives!).

Yes, I would say he was definitely illegitimate. What EXACTLY is recorded on his birth certificate?
His parents were not married at the time of his birth, or at any time after. Hannah married as a spinster with her maiden name in 1853 Melbourne. It’s possible that the biological father recognised the boy as his son and paid for his maintenance and education.

Is it common for a child as old as 8 to be listed as a 'nursing child'?

I would say not. I’m sure he wouldn’t be ‘nursing’ still at age 8, but perhaps his grandparents didn’t want to record him as a grandchild for some reason – to avoid any scandal?

[McGroger]

Have a read through this thread: https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=140362.0
It seems a "child at nurse" or "nursing child" was pretty much the same as today's "foster child", the actual role varying according to individual circumstances.
Peter

[Pit_pat89]

Thanks Peter, very helpful

Charle's BC definitely implies that Hannah and F C C Wordsworth were married (Hannah Wordsworth, formerly Barber), though I suspect this isn't the case. At least, I have no proof that they were married, and if they were, it wasn't for long, as he married again in 1843. As for the Aus marriage certificate, I doubt Hannah would have listed a previous marriage had she had one. Thank you for reminding me about the shipping record! I had forgotten about that

Thank you everyone!