Leonora Margetts

Born c.1842, died unknown
Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1870
Researched by Bridget Howarth

Very little is known about Leonora Margetts, other than about her time at Gressenhall. She was appointed Nurse in January 1870 having claimed to be working in the Norwich Union workhouse until her resignation on 4 January 1870, having “obtained a better appointment.” She stated that she was 28 years old, single, with no children and that she could read and understand written directions.  She began work at Gressenhall with a salary of £20, with Board, Lodging and Washing and an allowance of 1 shilling per week for beer. Leonora signed the Guardian’s record of her appointment before it was sent to the Poor Law Board.

She had answered an advertisement placed in local newspapers which asked for testimonials and qualifications to be forwarded in advance of interview, but it seems that Leonora had not provided these for, after her appointment, the Clerk was charged with writing for a reference.  The reply from Norwich, dated 7 February, confirmed that Leonora had been employed by the Norwich Union workhouse, but for two months in 1864, and as a female warder, not a nurse. She had been appointed for a one-month probationary period which was extended for a further month.  At the end of this Leonora was deemed inefficient and discharged.

In March, the Clerk wrote to the Poor Law Board explaining that the Guardians had received a report of misconduct about Leonora, which, in view of the note from Norwich, lead them to conclude that she was not a competent nurse. She was given a month’s notice. No details of what constituted the misconduct were given. 

Nothing can be found about Leonora’s earlier life.  There is no record of her birth in or around 1842, and none of her living in Norwich at all.  It is possible though that an entry in the 1871 census for Thorpe in Norwich, after she had left Gressenhall, could well be for Leonora. She is recorded as Leonora Margetts Motorlert, or Meterlect, aged 29.  She claimed to be married and was lodging with a widow in Weeds Square, describing herself as a dressmaker, born in Norwich.  There is no record of her having married, and no mention of her in any future records.