Ancestry UK

Beatrix Nursery, East Knoyle, near Salisbury, Wiltshire

The Beatrix Nursery was opened by the Waifs and Strays Society in November 1943 at Knoyle House, East Knoyle, near Salisbury. The home was located on the top floor of the house which was the home of the Dowager Lady Pembroke. The nursery was named after Lady Pembroke's daughter, Beatrix, who as Countess of Wicklow later became president of The Children's Union. The nursery provided accommodation for up to 14 homeless babies that had come into the care of the Society.

In March, 1946, the nursery was transferred to another property in East Knoyle, known as Clouds House, which had been used by the army during the Second World War. The additional space and large grounds of Clouds House allowed the nursery to accommodate up to 42 babies and toddlers. The outdoor playground gradually acquired a sandpit, paddling pool, swings, a slide, and an aviary with budgerigars.

As at other Society nurseries, the children in different age groups were placed in separate sections of the building which were named after flowers — 'Daffodil' and 'Tulip' for the toddlers and 'Primrose', 'Bluebell', and 'Pinks' for the older children. The home was also used as a training facility for nursery nurses.

Due to rising running costs and its inconvenient location, the home was closed in July 1964. The children were then dispersed to other homes.

Knoyle House no longer exists. Clouds House is now used as an addiction treatment centre.

Records

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