PUBV34/1/1

Settlement papers regarding Elizabeth Goddard, widow.

Nov 1835 - Dec 1837

From: 1835 To: 1837

Removal order from Baldock, County of Hertfordshire, to Elstow [7 Dec 1835] with settlement examination: She is the widow of Thomas Goddard late of Baldock, blacksmith. About 50 years ago at the time of their marriage they resided at Ravensden in the County of Bedford, and shortly after were by Order of Removal remnoved to Elstow, the place of legal settlement ofher late husband. No appeal was made against the order. They afterwards removed to Baldock. While residing there parochial relief whenever necessary was given to Thomas Baldock and after his death to this deponent by the parish of Elstow as settled inhabitants. Her husband did not during his life nor has this deponent since his death done any act to gain a settlement elsewhere, and she is now chargeable to the parish of Baldock. Order suspended as Elizabeth Goddard unable to travel due to sickness and infirmity [7 Dec 1835] Letter to the Churchwardens & Overseers of Elstow from John Smith, Relieving Officer of the Hitchin Poor Law Union regarding Elizabeth Goddard aged 79 years. States his surprise he has not had a reply from them regarding his earlier letter. 'She is at this time very unwell and has noone able to support her. She has one single daughter who has nothing but her own labour to depend upon, consequently not in a situation to do much for her mother. Her other daughters are married wuith large families, they have applied to me for relief but at present I have given them none as I thought you would rather receive her. I shall wait for return of post for your answer and if I do not receive any then I shall be under the necessity of getting a responded Order of Removal which will be unnecessary trouble and expense. She has received but 20s since October 29th 1834 which very much suprises me how they have supported her.'[26th Nov 1835] Letter from Surgeon and Overseer of Baldock: 'The widow Goddard belonging to your parish and who has resided in thie town for several years in the capacity of nurse, is now totally disabled from advanced age and affliction to do anything for herself. She is much respected by the inhabitants and her family, though poor, are industrious and very desirous of their aged mother continuing with them and she alike desirous of remaining with them to the end of her days. They are wiling to provide her with a home and maintain her with what allowance you may think proper to give, we the undersigned request therefore that you will be pleased to return her to her family not only on the grounds of charity & humanity but also as a very deserving character. Signed Robert Inverarity, surgeon & illegible Rector of Baldock. [31 August 1837]. With account showing allowance paid to Widow Goddard by the parish officers fo Baldock 1835 - 1837. Letter certifying Widow Goddard fit to be conveyed signed by Robert Inverarity 23 Aug 1837. Second, signed and sealed copy of removal order & examination [7 Dec 1835]

item

Goddard, Elizabeth,
Goddard, Thomas,
Smith, John,
Inverarity, Robert

BEDFORD, ELSTOW, Baldock, POVERTY, Poor Law Unions, Poor Laws, removal, Settlement, Overseers, Hitchin Poor Law Union, relieving officer, surgeon, illness, disability, employment, elderly people, nurse, blacksmith