Gertrude Rooke

Born 1872 , died (unknown)
Probationer Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Workhouse, 1890
Researched by Dauna Coppin

Gertrude Louisa Rooke’s birth was announced in several newspapers including the Belfast News on 11th March 1872, giving her birthdate as 24th February. Gertrude’s father, Clement was an Army Captain who had been born in Bombay, India and, prior to Gertrude’s birth, he and his wife live at 6 Sussex Square, Hanover Gardens in London. Sadly, Gertrude’s mother, Melissa died in 1877 when Gertrude was around five years old.

After her mother’s death, Gertrude was sent away to a prestigious boarding school. It is possible that Clement was posted abroad with his job in the army, as there is no trace of them on the next census. In 1881, Gertrude was found, aged 9 years old, living at the Christ’s Hospital Hertford boarding school in Hertfordshire.

Nine years later, Gertrude was mentioned in the Minutes of the Guardians of Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse at Gressenhall. On 29th December 1890 the noted that: “Miss Hammond manager of the Nurses Home in Fakenham having this day recalled from this Workhouse Infirmary the Probation Night Nurse Gertrude Louisa Rooke and sent to supply her place, Nurse Elsie Ninnes.  Resolved that such arrangements be approved and confirmed.” It is not known exactly how long Gertrude had worked at the Workhouse. She was employed by local nurse training school, Fakenham Nursing Home and, like many young nurses, she came to Gressenhall as a Probationer as part of her training.

In 1891, Gertrude, then aged 19  years old,  was working for the director of Fakenham Nurses Home’s son, Robert and his wife, Janetta, as governess to their three children. The family lived at Thorpeland Hall, Birmingham Terrace, Fakenham, Norfolk. Interestingly, on this census, Gertrude’s birthplace is recorded, incorrectly, as Southsea, Hants, which is where her mother had previously died. Also at this time, Gertrude’s father and half sister, Florence, were living at Grays Inn Road, St Pancras, London where Clement is shown as a widower and retired army captain whilst Florence is a 17-year-old actress.

By 1901, Gertrude had left Norfolk and was working as a 29-year-old nurse in a London hospital. She lived at home, with her father and sister, at 23 Fielding Road, Acton, Bremford, Middlesex. Florence’s occupation was as a singer.

In 1911, Clement Rooke was living alone at Brookville Stoke Ferry, Northwold in Norfolk. It is uncertain what became of Gertrude, or her sister, Florence.