Maria Nichols

Born 1818, died 1891
Pauper Under Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1846 - 1852
Researched by Nicola Sheard

The most probable baptism record for Maria Nichols was recorded as Mary Ann Nichols, illegitimate daughter of Mary Nichols, baptised at Twyford the parish of Bintry, Norfolk, on 15th November 1818.

The 1841 census for the Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse recorded Maria Nichols, aged 25, as a pauper inmate. Also documented were her two illegitimate daughters, Eliza, age 4, and Elizabeth, aged 2.

On 31st August 1846, The Guardians noted that Maria Nichols had been appointed as a Nurse to replace Maria Dawes. Maria Nichols’ name subsequently appeared in the 1851 census for the Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, with the occupation of Nurse. This census also documented an Elizabeth Nichols, age 8, born at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse and Samuel Nichols, age 6, born at Mileham, Norfolk. There is no record of Maria’s daughter Eliza.

Maria held the position of Nurse from 31st August 1846 to 8th July 1852. On 12th July 1852, the notes from the Guardian Minutes stated that Maria Nichols, under Nurse, had been appointed cook with an annual salary of £7 10 shillings. Maria Nichols agreed to pay one shilling per week for maintenance of her two illegitimate children living with her in the Workhouse.

In January 1858 when Maria’s daughter, Elizabeth Nichols was 14, it was agreed that she should leave the Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse and go to work in service for Kirby Redgment, Butcher of Union Place, Norwich. The 1861 census recorded that Maria son, Samuel Nichols, age 15, now worked as a servant at The Half Moon Public House in East Dereham.

 On the 7 June 1858, it was noted in the Guardian’s minutes that “Maria Nichols (Cook) to leave at the end of current quarter”. It would be reasonable to assume that as Elizabeth and Samuel had been given positions outside the workhouse, Maria was also able to leave and seek employment elsewhere.

The 1861 census recorded that Maria Nichols, now 40 years old, worked as a general servant for Hunnock Bone of 8 Leather Bottle Lane, Wendling. Also living in Leather Bottle Lane at number 13 were James Haynes, a farmer, his wife Sarah and children including a son Robert, unmarried, age 34. On 12th April 1869 Robert Haynes, married Maria Nichols in the parish church of Scarning, Norfolk.

The 1871 and 1881 censuses listed that Robert Haynes and his wife Maria living at 68 Hulver Street, Wendling. Robert Haynes was recorded as a landowner farmer of 3 acres. By the 1891 census Robert and Maria were living at 12 Pepper Street, Wendling. It was noted that Robert was living on his own means.  Maria died in December 1891, age 74, she was buried in the Parish Church of Wendling, Norfolk.