1900s-1940s Orphanages and Childrens Homes

Preparation for employment
in an early-mid 20th century orphanage

Extracted from the memoirs of Brenda May Wilson, 1927-2003

The school leaving age, mid-20th century UK

Boys and girls left school at fourteen years old and I couldn't wait to reach that magic age, so that I could leave the orphanage.

Possible employments

We children had no choice as to what we wanted to for our future employment. Automatically girls were placed 'in service' and boys went to work on farms or got labouring jobs and lodgings.

My own preparation for employment

For my preparation for employment, I was moved into the Matron's house for domestic training, ready for work in service. Although I was already versed in all things domestic because of the chores that the girls in the home had had to do, I had to learn to wait on table.

My reactions to the preparation for employment

I remember feeling that life had again dealt me a duff hand of cards, as there were so many other things I felt I could have made a success of, if only I was given the chance.

However, I was offered a position after six months and I said goodbye not only to the orphanage but also to my childhood! I was out in the world on my own!

Extracted from the memoirs of Brenda May Wilson (1927-2003), courtesy of her son, Kevin Flynn

Based on childhood recollections of Myton Hamlet Children's Home, Warwick, 1938-1941, probably similar to other orphanages in early to mid 20th century Britain

Text is copyright

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