Success Stories

Margaret Breasley I would like to share my success in finding out about my greataunt who in 1917 had the misfortune to have a child out of wedlock and her immediate family were not aware of this. This all came to light after she died in 1973 a widow and intestate. Back in 1917 although she was 27 this was a family disgrace and she was 'sent' away to a home in Mere in Wiltshire called 'The Retreat' to have the baby. The home was run by Alice and Francis Rutter for 10 years until 1926, who from the information I have on the home were the savior of many of these 'girls' including my aunt. They were taught to care for their babies, baking, laundry and poultry care and were given support even after they left. Luckily my Aunt had a happy outcome and her daughter was 'adopted' by relatives, as there were no formal adoption procedures until 1926. Unfortunately her daughter predeceased her and her estate was divided among her 4 grandchildren. This is the only mystery is how her daughter and grandchildren were traced, as she left no will we can only speculate that she left a letter to be opened on her death giving this information. If there is anyone out there that had a relative that 'suffered' a similar experience or would like some more information on The Retreat please contact me. It is pleasing to know that were people like Alice and her husband helped these unfortunate 'girls' with no thought of monetary gain. Regards Margaret Jones