Elizabeth Sackamore

Born 1815, died 1893
Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1879
Researched by Nicola Sheard

Elizabeth Sackamore was born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. She was baptised on 25th June 1815 as Elizabeth Farey. Her parents were Thomas and Lucy Farey of Bridge Street, King’s Lynn, Thomas’ occupation was a mariner.  It appears that during Elizabeth’s childhood the Farey family fell on hard times, as on 30th October 1829 Elizabeth, alongside her mother and siblings, were admitted to the Workhouse at St Botolph Aldgate, London.

On 18th November 1848, Elizabeth Farey and James Edward Sackamore, obtained a marriage license to be married in the Parish of Heigham, Norwich. James Edward Sackamore was baptised on 8th August 1822 in the Parish of St Margaret, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. He was the son of James Sackamore, a baker and Maria Sackamore.

No record can be found of Elizabeth Sackamore between her marriage in 1848 and 1869 when she started work as a Nurse in the Great Yarmouth Poor Law Union Workhouse. Elizabeth began this post in March 1869 and she earned a salary of £15 per annum. The record books from the Workhouse show that she resigned in December 1870.

Information from the 1871 census suggests that after leaving her position at the Great Yarmouth Poor Law Union Workhouse, Elizabeth found employment as a Nurse at St George’s Hospital in London.

Elizabeth was appointed as a Nurse at the Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, on 28th April 1879. She worked for only five months. During this period, on 29th July 1879, the Poor Law Inspector, Courtenay Boyle wrote, “The Nurse has some little knowledge and seems careful in her work’” By this time, however, Elizabeth had already informed the Guardians, on 15th July 1879, that she wished to resign.

It appeared illness could have been the reason for Elizabeth’s resignation. Four months later, on the 10th November 1879, age 63, Elizabeth was admitted to St Andrew’s Workhouse, Norwich, the cause of seeking relief was given as sick. By 24th November 1879 Elizabeth was discharged from the Workhouse at her own request.

The 1881 census recorded that Elizabeth worked as a Nurse at Belvedere House, High Street, Gorleston for Alfred and Annie Fisher, their six children and a domestic servant.

On 19th November 1888 Elizabeth was once again admitted to St Andrew’s Workhouse. Elizabeth was discharged from the Workhouse on 4th May 1889 at her own request. The 1891 census recorded that Elizabeth was a widow and living alone at 170 Scott’s Yard, Timberhill Street, Norwich. Her age was recorded as 74 years and no occupation was given. Elizabeth Sackamore died in 1893, age 76, in Great Yarmouth.