Anna (Annie) Divers

Born 1878, died 1910

Probationer Nurse, later Nurse and Assistant Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1898-1900 & 1907-1908.

Researched by Heather Gooch

Annie Divers was born in 1878 in Burnham Westgate, Norfolk. She was baptised Anna on 10th April 1878. Her Father, Osborne Divers, and mother, May Ann Dewson, were born at South Creake, Norfolk. Annie had 7 siblings, Martha, Harry, Katherine, Osborne, Margaret, Edith, and Walter. In 1881 the family was living at Burnham Wesgate, Norfolk and Osborne was a Coal Merchant. In 1891 Annie, age 13, was a schoolgirl and living with her family in the Hamlet of Dillington near East Dereham. Her father was now a farmer.

Annie was appointed as a Probationer Nurse at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, Gressenhall in December 1897, at the age of 19. A letter to the Local Government Board, stated that she had no previous employment and that her Salary would be £10 per annum with board, lodging and washing, no uniform, no beer or beer money.

Less than a year later, Annie was promoted to the role of Nurse. The Board of Guardians Minute Books on 8th August 1898 stated that “...Nurse Divers to be the nurse in Miss Monument’s place…at a rate of £16 per annum” and on 20th August 1898 her salary was increased to £16. New Probationer Nurses, Miss Brown and Miss Milk were appointed in September and December that year. In October 1899 it was agreed that all the Nurses would receive £1 each extra for the additional services performed during the absence of a Superintendent Nurse.

Annie resigned on 20th February 1900 and was replaced by the Assistant Nurse Brown. On 30th April 1900 the Guardian Minute books note that that had received a “...letter from Nurse Divers asking for a testimonial. Resolved that the clerk sign a testimonial for Nurse Divers ...assistant nurse ...for a period of two years and five months...proved herself to be…excellent nurse & performed her duties to the entire satisfaction of the Guardians”.

On the 1901 census, Annie is shown to be a visitor in the household of Alexander and Helen Watt in Fakenham. Her occupation is a Monthly Sick Nurse (a nurse who helps care for a mother and baby shortly after childbirth).  

On 11th February 1907, Annie returned to Gressenhall Workhouse as an Assistant Nurse with a salary of £25 per annum. However, the new appointment did not last long. On 1st June 1908, the Guardians “Resolved that a tell tale clock be purchased for use in the Infirmary at a cost of £6”. On 29th June 1908, they “Resolved that Nurse Divers be discharged for disobeying the orders of the board by refusing to peg the clock recently provided for use in the Infirmary”. The clerk to write to Nurse Divers’ “…services would not be required after Wednesday next.”

Sadly Annie on died 22nd August 1910 age 32 years, cause of death Phithiss Pulmomalis (known as Tuberculosis, Consumption).