Case 6351

E (M)

Female

E. was under the care of the West Ham Board of Guardians. (Throughout the file this girl was sometimes referred to by her first name E., and sometimes by her second M.). Her father had deserted her and the whereabouts of her mother were unknown. In March 1898 E. was admitted to Rose Cottage Home for Girls, Dickleburgh, Norfolk, but after a few months the staff felt that it was not the right environment for her. She was declared to be quick but to have little self control and to be prone to hysterical outbursts. A member of staff suggested she be transferred to a Home for the Special Training of Feeble Minded Girls from Workhouses, which had been set up in Ipswich. While waiting for a place it was decided to board E. out locally in Dickleburgh as it was felt that this would suit her temperament better than being in a Home. In April 1900 Mrs C., the person with whom she was boarded out requested her removal as although E. was clever and bright Miss C. could not cope with her excitable nature and violent temper. On 11 July 1900 E. was transferred by the West Ham Guardians to the Dudley Stuart Home, Holloway and was taken off the Society's books. The Secretary of Rose Cottage, Mrs H. Brandreth, happened to meet E. in London in 1904 and felt she was much improved. E. had spent time as a kitchen maid at Sydenham but had had to leave because of her weak ankles. She had surgical boots made but they were too uncomfortable to wear and she could not get work until she was given proper medical assistance. She was living with her sister. Mrs Brandreth wondered if there was a place for her in a Home for the Disabled. There were no vacancies available, but E. was recommended to go as an outpatient to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Oxford Street, London.