History Group Report - November 2009It’s November again, and our last topic in another varied and interesting year was “Social Care”.
Barbara opened this session talking about the life and times of Doctor Barnardo , who was born in Dublin where he nearly died at the age of 4. He planned to become a missionary in China, and a doctor (which he did), but upon moving to London he became very distressed by the wretched plight of young ragged children (especially boys) forced out onto the street at a very early age to exist as best they could. He then devoted the rest of his life to their care, building homes and finding employment and a life for them. He then proceeded to do the same for girls, and in the middle of it all found time to get married. His wife fully supported and helped him in his crusade, and he died in 1905 at the age of 60, after a long and fulfilling life.
Julie talked about an autistic person who lived next door to her. When this person was in a special home with 24 hour care they lived as good a life as possible. It was only when the local authority placed them in the community that the care was nowhere near as good, with carers only popping in two or three times a day.
Lesley talked about Almshouses and what a wonderful service they have provided over the years, but whilst researching her family tree was surprised how many of her ancestors had lived in almshouses.
In Roman times if there was no male heir, then they would adopt an orphan boy to ensure the family line continued.
In Medieval times, the Church grew to be the main body looking after the needs of the ordinary people. However after Henry VIII ,this started to move to the state with the Poor Laws being brought in. Parishes then started to look after their own (but often moved strangers out of their parish so they would not have to help them!!!)
In the 19th Century Workhouses were introduced, and then at the beginning of the 20th Century Labour Exchanges, Old Age Pensions, Medical care for school children came in and finally the National Health Service came into being after World War II.
Our next meeting will be on Monday 18th January 2010 when we will be talking about “The History of Aviation”.
Michael Page.
