Walking to the Heritage Museum in Ventnor, I could not believe that their display and focus was on the Laundresses of Ventnor in the 1880's! It felt as if the universe was talking to me, if not my great, great grandmother Ann.
After leaving service at London House she was a Charwoman and then in the 1871 and 1881 Census's she is a Laundress. Reading the information at the Museum, they even mention the street where she lived with John and her children William (my great grandfather) and Anne - St. Catherine's Street. So moving.
It is not clear whether she worked for the 'modern' steam laundry or whether she took in laundry but either way, she laboured long and hard over the decades in this Victorian era town, that was popular with consumptives from the mainland. The arch in the photo above was the entrance to the laundry.
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| The 1871 Census, Ann is a mother now, with 2 children and a laundress in Ventnor. |
The Argyle home at 54 St. Catherine's Street, is now number 14, another amazing bit of sleuthing done by Jeff from the Ventnor History Society. Fred and I walked the town understanding Ann's neighbourhood and took photos of her street and home.
Just remarkable that so much survives for which I am so grateful.
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| Finding the home of my great, great grandmother Ann Argyle during 19th until her death in 1894. |
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