Annie Randall

Born around 1837, death unknown
Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1876
Researched by Bridget Howarth

Annie Randall started work at Gressenhall Workhouse on 20 April 1876. The Guardians had found it difficult to recruit a nurse after Hannah Laws had resigned six months before and the second nurse, Sarah Mitchell, had been left to cope alone. At 70 years old though, Sarah was finding the work increasingly hard and the local Government Board urged the Guardians to “proceed with as little delay as practicable.” Mrs Annie Randall was appointed on probation for one month, and in May the Clerk reported to the Local Government Board that they were quite satisfied with her. He enclosed the customary appointment questionnaire.

Annie was said to be a widow, aged 39 years old.  She had one non-dependant daughter, who will either have been old enough to support herself or living with another relative.  Annie had previously been a nurse, and her previous address had been 12A Finsbury Square in London. Annie had not worked for a Poor Law Union before, and the Guardians were happy that she could read and write. Her salary was to be £21 per annum (including one pound to cover midwifery duties), with an additional one shilling per week beer money.  Washing and lodging were also included. 

By the end of July, it was clear that Sarah Mitchell was not coping with the work and after an extended leave of absence she finally resigned. After only 3 months in post, Annie will have been in sole charge of both the male and female wards. It was reported at a Guardians meeting on 9 October 1876, that one of the pauper inmates, Mary Tennant, had accused Annie of being intoxicated. An investigation concluded that the charge was unfounded, but it seems that Annie had had enough.  Possibly, either this event, or the additional responsibility was too much for her and she resigned, leaving the workhouse without any nurse at all.

We know little more about Annie, without her maiden name, where she was born, who she had married or the name of her daughter, it has not been possible to determine where Annie moved to when she left Gressenhall, or indeed where she had worked before she arrived.