The material below is taken from the web page Unless otherwise indicated, content is copyright Peter Higginbotham and may not be re-published without permission.
Ancestry UK

St Michael's Domestic Training Home, Wantage, Berkshire

St Michael's Domestic Training Home for Girls, Wantage, appears to have been established in the 1930s. It occupied premises at Priory Road, Wantage, and was managed by the Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage, who also ran the nearby St Mary's Home (renamed St Joseph's Domestic School in around 1936).

In 1939, St Michael's was described as being for 'girls of good moral character' who were 'received and thoroughly trained for all branches of domestic service.' Those entering the Home (or School, as it was sometimes known) were required to be at least 14 years of age and pay and admission fee of two guineas, with a weekly charge of 10s. thereafter. The period of training was two years. The Home could accommodate around 18 girls.

On February 29th, 1944, St Michael's was certified for use as an Approved School, allowing it to receive girls placed under detention by magistrates. This arrangement came to an end in April, 1945, when the Home gave up its certificate.

Records

Note: many repositories impose a closure period of up to 100 years for records identifying individuals. Before travelling a long distance, always check that the records you want to consult will be available.

  • None identfied at present — any information welcome.

Bibliography

  • Higginbotham, Peter Children's Homes: A History of Institutional Care for Britain's Young (2017, Pen & Sword)
  • Hyland,Jim Yesterday's Answers: Yesterday's Answers: Development and Decline of Schools for Young Offenders (1993, Whiting and Birch)
  • Millham, S, Bullock, R, and Cherrett, P After Grace — Teeth: a comparative study of the residential experience of boys in Approved Schools (1975, Chaucer Publishing)

Except where indicated, this page () © Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.