Elsie Gertrude Hitchcock

Born 1885, died 1908
Probationer Nurse Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, 1907
Researched by Elizabeth Steele

Elsie Gertrude Hitchcock was born in Stepney, London, on 8 September 1885. Her parents were Frederick William and Agnes Margaret Hitchcock (nee Beattie), who had married in the October Quarter of 1873 at St Albans, Hertfordshire. Records show that Elsie was the one of nine children born to her parents spanning a period from 1875 to 1889.

The 1891 census records Elsie, aged 5, as being a scholar (attending school), living with her parents and siblings at 252 Seven Sisters Road, Islington London. Her father, aged 45 is recorded as Head of the Household with the occupation of cheesemonger. Elsie is recorded, aged 11 on the admissions register for Thomas Street School, Mile End, London with an admission date of 5 October 1896. It is noted on the record that the school was renamed Thomas Road School in 1938.

The 1901 census finds Elsie living with her father, Frederick at 146 James’ Hill, St Pauls Deptford, together with her sister Daisy, aged 12. Her mother and siblings are recorded over three other households

Elsie was baptized on 12 August 1905, aged approximately 21, at the Epsom Infirmary, where she is recorded as a Nurse Probationer. Elsie joined her sister Nellie, the superintendent nurse, at Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse, Gressenhall as a Probationer Nurse in March 1907. She was engaged for three months with a salary at the rate of £14 per annum. On 3rd June 1907 she was engaged for a further period of two months as Temporary Probationer Nurse with the same salary.

Between August 1907 and December 1908, Elsie must have left Gressenhall and returned to London, we believe to go into Private Nursing. She possibly lodged with her sister Lily and brother in law in Forest Gate.

What is certain is that Elsie died in tragic circumstances at the Curzon Hotel, Brighton on 11th  December 1908, aged only 23, in an incident reported in several national newspapers. According to the reports, Else had entered a suicide pact with a man when it was believed they could not be together. It transpired that the man was married with two children and may have been living a double life, having given Elsie a false name. The Coroner expressed the belief “…that Ransom had deliberately planned the affair and that the young woman was more sinned against than sinning”.

Elsie’s funeral at West Ham Cemetery was held at 12.30 instead of the original intention of in the afternoon to avoid any unwanted attention. The wreaths are reported to have had touching inscriptions bearing testimony to the love and esteem with which Elsie was held not only by her family but also by a wide circle of friends.

It is at this time that her sister, Nellie, a Superintendent Nurse, took compassionate leave from her duties at Gressenhall. The Clerk was instructed to  write to Nellie sympathising with her recent trouble and enquiring when she expected to resume duty. Sadly, Nellie felt able to  resume her duties at Gressenhall, and she resigned in January 1909.

Elsie was buried at Newham cemetery, London  on 15 December 1908.