Philanthropic Societys Farm School, Redhill St John, Surrey.

[Mutley]

I believe this was the equivalent of a Borstal.
Does anyone know if I can access the records?

The Philanthropic Society was formed in 1788 to aid the reformation of boys who had been engaged in criminal activities. In 1792 it transferred to Southwark and in 1849 to a farm school of 133 acres, later expanded to 350 acres, at Redhill

I have an Elijah Selby age 15 who was an inmate here in the 1881 Census.
RG11/800 Folio 132 Page 8

I have his marriage to Mary Stockman in 1887 (Southwark), father is Thomas but I cannot find a birth, death or census prior to 1881 for him.

Regards Mutley

[blue eyes]

Hi Mutley,

What is Thomas's occupation?

Julie

[Mutley]

Would you believe he was a Pandean Pipe Player???

I don't half find em???

[Oates]

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/searches/subjectView.asp?ID=O52649

Surrey History Centre holds 1788-2003: minutes, admission and discharge registers, staff records, punishment books and papers and 1789-1988: additional records incl corresp, administrative and financial papers and records rel to running of the Society's school.

[blue eyes]

I had a look on the 1871 census and theres a family of Selbys living in Deptford Thomas is from Maidstone and he's a musican. I only asked as
Elijahs birth abt 1866 and theres a Eliza born abt 1867 had son then crossed through and dau written instead. Just thought it may be him.

[blue eyes]

PS that family is in Southwark 1881 minus Eliza.

[Mutley]

Thanks Oates,
I do struggle with the Nat Arch. Us Oldies have a jobs to get our heads around what you young 'uns sort out dead easy!!;) I gotta do this....... Let you know...

Julie,
You got them. I think that Eliza the daughter is actually Elijah the son. Unfortunately, I cannot find the birth and was hoping that I could find out more info from the Borstal records.
He seems to be a bit of a thug and goes on to do a lot of stupid things. Maybe I am hoping that he is not mine but as his brothers are just as bad I am sure he is. Just need the birth or borstal/prison records to confirm it........

Regards
Mutley