Mary Ann Tye

Born 1848, died unknown (after 1901)
Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1877-78
Researched by Heather Gooch

Mary was born in 1848 in Gressenhall, Norfolk. She was baptised Marian Maria Sands on 16th July 1848. Her parents were James Sands and Mary Ann (Marian) Doy. She had 6 siblings, James, Sarah Ann, Eliza, Ann Eve, Lucy Ann, and John.

Mary Married James Tye in Gressenhall, Norfolk on 28th April 1870. James was born in East Bilney, Norfolk. James and Mary had one daughter Kate Phillis. Unfortunately, James died in 1876, he was only 31. He was buried 6th September 1876 at Beetley. .

Mary Ann became a Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union workhouse a few months after James’s death in February 1877, despite seemingly not having had any previous employment. She replaced Ellen Hart who had been dismissed. The minutes of the Board of Guardians stated: “Since discharge of Nurse Ellen Hart… a widow named Mary Ann Tye residing in the neighbourhood has however applied for the situation. Although she has not filled an office of this kind, [she] has been well recommended.”

The following information was found in the ‘Appointment of Nurse Form’ dated 20th February 1877:

“Mary Ann Tye, Residence Booton near Reepham, 28 years, Widow, one child (a daughter) aged 6 years, who will reside in Lodgings. Previous occupation, Wife of a carpenter. Date of commencement of duties 5th February 1877 engaged for an unlimited period. Salary, Twenty Pounds per annum with Washing and Lodgings in the house. Rations, and a Weekly allowance of 1s in money in lieu of Beer. Competent to read and understand written directions. Previous officer Nurse Hart dismissed for inefficiency.”

According to a report by the Poor Law Inspector, Courtenay Boyle on 14 February that year, Mary Ann was the only Nurse employed. Although it is likely that Mary Ann was assisted by pauper inmates, the inspector stated that one woman was not sufficient to deal with the number of poor. According to a list of sick inmates, those requiring care ranged from 21 weeks to 95 years old. At this time, the workhouse building was 100 years old and no longer considered sufficient, he described it as “old and ill-constructed”.

On 30th April 1877, the Minutes show that Mary Ann was given £1 additional salary for also taking on the role of midwife, meaning she would have attended births at the Workhouse. Perhaps the workload was taking its toll, as on 1st October 1877 Mary Ann submitted her resignation, only for it to be withdrawn one week later. She resigned finally on 1st April 1878.

After Mary Ann Tye resigned, she married George Alfred Garner on 26 May 1878 at Hardingham, Norfolk.  In 1891 Mary and George are living at Nordle Corner, Hardingham, George is an Agricultural Labourer and Mary is a Dressmaker.

George died in 1897 at the age of 53. Mary (now Mary Gardner) appears in the 1901 Censis in Willesden, Middlesex and is described as living by her own means. She is with her daughter Kate who is married to Albert Banyard who was born in Thetford, Norfolk. They have a daughter Phyllis, age 2 and born Willesden. Mary Ann does not appear on any other Census returns after 1901, and presumably passed away around this time.