Margaret Crisp Thurlow

Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1855
Born 1812, died 1891
Researched by Lisa Kennedy

Margaret Crisp Thurlow was born in Kings Lynn as the only child of Henry and Mary Ann Furlough. There is no record of her birth, but she was baptised on 26th May 1812. It is not known why Margaret’s surname was spelt differently to that of her parents.

In the 1841 census return for Grimstone, Norfolk, Margaret is recorded as living with her 2-week-old son Henry Furlow. Margaret would have been 29 years old. Henry was baptised in Grimstone on 26th June 1841, the name of a father is not recorded. Sadly, he died aged 7 months in 1841.

In 1851, Margaret, aged 38 and single, is working as a cook for the Rector of Grimstone, Norfolk. In December 1855, Charles Wright, Clerk of the Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, replies to a letter from the Poor Law Board regarding the resignation of Ruth Holmes as Nurse in the Workhouse and the appointment of Margaret in her place. This letter also contains the recruitment form for Margaret. It states that she is 45 years old, born in Kings Lynn and single. Her previous employment had been as a domestic servant, but also that she had worked as a Nurse for a few weeks 15 years ago in the Wisbeach Union. The Board approved Margaret being employed for £15.00 per year which includes board, washing and lodging.

However, it appears that Margaret did not take well to nursing duties. In February 1856, after less than three months employment, the Clerk writes to the Poor Law Board regarding the resignation of Margaret. Margaret had offered her resignation as Nurse in the workhouse on 28th January. The letter records that “the Matron having stated her services were of no value in that department and that her resignation is accepted”. Margaret is to be paid any money due and was allowed to leave the workhouse immediately. The Clerk is asked to advertise for a new nurse.

However the Guardians had trouble replacing, despite “using every means possible”, until notifying the Poor Law Board that they employed Honor Bridges in her stead in May 1856.

Having left the workhouse the next record of Margaret is her marriage on 5th July 1859. She marries Mr John Peek Firth in Hilgay, Norfolk, and both sign their name (showing some level of literacy). In the 1861, census Margaret is living with her husband John who is a butcher and 10 years her junior in Littleport, Cambridgeshire. John’s father is also in the household.

Margaret could not be identified on the 1871 census, but in 1881 she is 68 and living with her husband in Hilgay, Norfolk. The last record for Margaret is her death in March 1891, aged 79. She was living in Downham, Norfolk.