Moorfield Orphanage for Girls
Ribbleton Avenue, Preston
The Moorfield Orphanage was described as being 'beautifully situated in five acres of ground, on the east side of Preston, within view of the Lancashire fells'. It was under the care of the Daughters of Wisdom who trained the girls in needlework, laundry work, embroidery, housework and 'such other occupations as will fit them to earn their livelihood when they attain the age to leave the school'.
In 1910 the average number of girls living in the orphanage was 31. They had been sent from various Unions:- Preston, Toxteth Park, Liverpool, Chorley Bradford, Ormskirk and Paddington. Deputations from the Board of Guardians from these Unions made visits to the school and made reports on their findings:-
Preston Board 31 January 1920
We were most courteously received by the Rev. Mother and Sisters in residence there, who conducted us over the Home, with every part of which we were highly pleased. The Home, its adaptability for purpose of classification, its dormitories, linen stores, workroom and nature of work done evoked our admiration. - it is beyond anything we have yet seen. The evidence of administrative ability was strikingly present and we believe a visit to the Home by every Member of the Committee would secure for it that measure of appreciation which it deserves.
Ormskirk Union 4 November 1910
I have this day visited the Moorfield Orphanage and have seen the children in the Nursery, in the Laundry, and in the Workroom. There is every arrangement I can think of for the useful uptraining of girls. I am delighted with what I have seen.
Chorley Union June 1910
"found the surroundings clean and healthy" and "children who were sent to the Orphanage ought to be considered fortunate as the Institution was like a refined home".
Source: Annual Report of catholic Certified Poor Law School of Ciocese of Liverpool, 31 December 1910.
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