Children's Home Records

For many years I have researched  my Lock & French ancestry which I have back to Gloucestershire, Somerset and Devon, England. The family moved  to Wales in the early 1850's.

This family is the sole reason I became interested in researching my family (many years ago) as so little was known about them, in fact nothing was known.

The following are from records from a children's home in London. Though there are many inaccuracies the overall records are correct.  My Great x2 Grandfather John Lock did not desert the family...in fact he died of kidney failure soon after Florence was born.

The Sophia mentioned is my Great grandmother and I believe she was working around the Cardiff area (Caerphilly) not Swansea.

My main goal in this family is to find what happened to Florence post 1911 (last seen in Kent) and what happened to James. The last record I have from James is when he left the Industrial school and later went on to work for Stead & Simpson (shoes) in the 1890's.

From official records -



Florence Locke’s Form of  Application For The Admission into The Children’s Home and Orphanage, Bonner Road, Bethnal Green, London, N.E.

Florence Locke date of birth 24th June 1885 (Florence Locke’s actual date of birth was 1st July 1884.….. Birth cert. obtained)

In answer to the question “Has she been in the workhouse - if so where and how long?” …… Four years in Caerleon Schools. 

Father’s name in full - Locke
His address- Deserted
Occupation- Shoemaker
Religious persuasion- Wesleyan.

Mother’s name in full - Locke
Date and place of death - 1893
Religious persuasion - Wesleyan.

Brothers/Sisters

Sophia aged 20 present address Swansea…..employment  servant

James  aged 13 ½  present address Caerleon… employment.. Adopted

Grandparents  ------------- French       address Newport Union 

Character, habits and disposition of  the child……… Matron of Caerleon Schools states that Florence is a good girl.

State any special circumstances which you consider give this child a claim to be admitted into the Home……. Methodist child in workhouse schools.

By whom is this case recommended - The Newport Mon. Board of Guardians.

G.R. No. 3280
Appn. No. 4264
Date 22nd November 1897

Locke Florence 
Age 12 ½ 

The Union, Newport , Mon.

Result - Admit. Guardians will contribute £13 per annum.

Admitted into the Home - 17th November 1897.

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I have medical report from Caerleon ……. Medical Examiner CW de Grundy? All normal except for “is the Child Scrofulous? “  Answer was …..”Yes”
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