10 replies to this topic

[bridger]

I've been reading the posts on Wigan World site about Greenfield Orphanage that used to be at Billinge and I was moved to tears reading about how the children were treated by the nuns in there. I thought it was bad enough when I was at a Catholic School, but we at least could go home at night.

http://www.lqqk.co.u...20in%20billinge

[clocker baz]

I remember it, it was in Billinge up a road opposite to where the hospital was and the area was called Bispham,or Bispham Green and I think there was a pub on the main road called the "Labour in Vain". I went to a CYMS in Sutton (ST Annes) and a party of us went to entertain the Kids ie singing. They seemed to enjoy it. This was in 1959

[Carr Millite]

Is it Bispham Grange? It's still used for cubs/Scouts camping out.
I don't remember it but I do recall the 'naughty boys school' which I believe is run by
an arm of the Catholic Church near Chapel End School.
Nugent I think.

Edited by Carr Millite, 05 January 2011 - 10:00 PM.

[Le200]

I remember it very well, it is in Carr Mill Road just behind Chapel End Labour Club.
When I was there it was called Greenfield House and the convent part was empty except for a disco on the ground floor.
All the dorms etc were still there and set out, it was a very spooky building (listed now I think)

This is the original convent part:

[bridger]

It was on Carr Mill Road. It is now called Nugent House School.

Hope these images go through

http://picasaweb.goo...ey=quEO-YYYNvY#

[Le200]

Those bring back some memories Bridger... not good ones either

[marg63]

My mum was in this orphanage for 6 yrs in the 40's,she did tell me some really bad stories of her time there but I think there was an awful lot she didn't tell. It sounds like it was a really horrendous place to be

[lollypop1976]

my mom was also there in 1943 - 1955 kathleen gizzie the nuns used to call her mary gizzie though

she said she used to get beat by them almost everyday

[RATTY]

Ive read about this place on various sites over the years, coming across them in family history searching, I mentioned it on here not long ago too, I feel so sorry for anyone who went there it must have been a terrible childhood. Im sure I read that they sent some of those kids to Canada when they needed a boost in population, another one down to the catholic church, hope those so called nuns are reaping their just rewards now.

[Phyll]

I am not absolving the Catholic Church from it's responsibility, but a lot of the Child Migrants plight,
was also caused by many other organisations and of course the government.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8531664.stm

[RATTY]

I meant this orphanage Phyll, just worded it wrongly