Caroline - The Injured Queen (1820-1823)
The story which follows reflects the tragedy of an all too common personal circumstance and societies reaction to it. Yet also shows possible evidence of personal reaction and proud defiance in the face of such circumstance. Anne Blackburn, the twenty two year old daughter of Christopher and Esther, has her illegitimate daughter, Caroline, baptised at Saint Michael's, Ashton under Lyne, on 14th July 1822. Sadly the Register entry under "Quality, Trade or Profession" is described as "Base". This probably reveals that she had no means of supporting herself or her daughter and was relying on Parish assistance. Caroline Blackburn Baptism 14th July 1822 Since 1601 the Poor Laws had required required each Parish to calculate and levy a poor rate. This was used to provide relief to the poor people of the Parish. They would also run a "poorhouse" for homeless Parishioners where work was provided to mitigate the cost. A deserted pregnant woman was pro...