Chelsea District Royal Asylum (Children and more)

[Peter_uk_can]

In the course of trawling our dear friends "Argh-estry" census records for 1881, I came across their entry for "Chelsea District Royal Leilitary Asylum"

Of course it should be Military Asylum, but their search instantly recognises "Leilitary" becasue it is the only such entry they have.

Long lists of "Scholars" and other residents can be found, so if you have military research and some lost folk, it could be worth a look through.

The term "Asylum" has changed over the years and I don't suppose that all 600+ boys and 300+ girls were mentally challenged.

[patsylou]

Hi Peter,

Have just read your mail re the above. I have checked this site a couple of times as I think one ortwo of the children might be related to my ancestors.

As you have guessed, it isn't an asylum as we know it today. It was a school for military orphans and children of lower-rank soldiers who were serving abroad ( I believe their wives used to follow them in those days.

Thought I might just pass on this tit-bit of info. it may be useful to some-on

All the best, Pat

[kiwipom]

I was able to get copies of the entry application and report for my Gt Gt Uncle, who was a pupil at the Asylum in 1870-1875. When my Gt Gt Gfather returned from overseas service as a soldier with the 40th Regiment of Foot.

There is a good website www.rma-searcher.co.uk

Tony