Foundation of St Edward's Convent of Mercy, Queen Square, Bloomsbury, 2nd August 1844

Foundation of St Edward’s Convent of Mercy Queen Square, Bloomsbury 2nd August 1844

The Sisters moved to the new St Edward’s Convent Blandford Square/Harewood Avenue 16th June 1851

1

2

Introduction At every stage of the story of the Sisters of Mercy, it is apparent that good came about because of the inspiration and generosity of many people.

This account of the arrival of the Sisters in Marylebone is no exception. The living conditions of the poor at the time are well documented in social history but Sister Kathleen Mary places this poverty in the context of the actual lives of the individuals and families encountered by Sisters from 1844 onwards.

Sisters who came to St Edward’s Convent, Harewood Avenue in the 1940s, and are still with us, can recall some of those same conditions and can witness to the continuing efforts over 175 years to provide education, care of women at risk and the special Mercy ministry of visiting the sick in their homes.

In recording this story of the dedication of generations of Sisters of Mercy, we acknowledge the unfailing support of Bishops and Priests at every stage of the journey. Without that support the history of these 175 years might be very different.

In expressing our gratitude to them and to our many benefactors, we recognise the grace of God that allowed us to share the lives of the people of Marylebone.

Sister Philomena Bowers Congregational Leader

3

Foreword If you were to offer Sister Kathleen Mary Grogan some words of praise for the following booklet, she would no doubt explain that it was easy really, as the archives for St Edward’s are so well kept. To a certain extent this is true: a great deal has been preserved, both in extent and in detail. The annals for St Edward’s in particular are a source of unrivalled detail about the comings and goings of this foundation. As one of the early examples of an active religious order working in the streets of the capital in the period after the 1829 Emancipation Act, St Edward’s should rightfully receive scholarly attention, as well as the interest of its previous Sisters, pupils and associates. This interest is undoubtedly greatly facilitated and encouraged by this booklet.

What has been achieved in the following pages is a summary of significant points of St Edward’s history which serves to highlight the role of the Sisters of Mercy in education and visitation ministry to the Catholic poor of London in the nineteenth century and beyond. The placing of the foundation in the context of 1844 Marylebone, and all the privations that brought, helps us to see the Convent operating not in a bubble, but needing to fully engage with the needs of the time. We can of course make all sorts of comparisons to life today in this regard. Later on in the booklet, the memories gathered from former Sisters of St Edward’s are key to filling in gaps in the foundation’s official archive and represent a crucial addition to the history of this place.

I have observed Sister Kathleen Mary undertake her archival research over the past months and it is certainly true to say that great attention to detail has been paid at every turn. The archives have been studied with great care so that we can re-engage with voices from the past through this publication. This is a gift to us today.

In reading the following pages, perhaps we can consider two of Catherine McAuley’s quotes as motivators for the Religious women who have laboured in St Edward’s: While we place all our confidence in God – we must act as if all depended on our exertion.

Catherine McAuley to Frances Warde, November 24 1840.

No work of charity can be more productive of good to society, or more conducive to the happiness of the poor, than the careful instruction of women.

Catherine McAuley, original Rule and Constitutions.

Jenny Smith, Archivist, Union of the Sisters of Mercy GB

4

Saint Marylebone It is probable that St Marylebone gets its name from a little church, St Mary le Tybourne or St Mary by Tyburn, on the banks of a winding stream or bourne called the Tybourne/Tyburn. This little church is mentioned in the Domesday Book, AD 1068. The church was plundered in the 14th century and rebuilt further upstream, close to where the present St Marylebone Parish Church is today. At the beginning of the 19th century the Tyburn stream became one of London’s underground rivers. It flows from Hampstead to the Thames.

The Poor in Victorian Marylebone

The responsibility for poor relief, from Elizabethan times, was delegated to each parish in the City of London and the County of Middlesex; this was set up to replace the old Monastery/Convent charities. There were elected ‘overseers’ of the poor with responsibility for law and order, the care of the aged, sick, disabled, and unemployed, also for distributing food and clothing to needy parishioners. The St Marylebone Parish Workhouse was set up in 1730, following the Knatchbull Act of 1722/23. This Act gave Parishes authorisation to build or rent premises to use as poorhouses. This Act was also known as The Workhouse Test Act, mainly because relief should only be available to those in desperate situations willing to accept its tough regime. The buildings looked stark and forbidding; with windows five to six feet from the floor and some of the buildings surrounded by high iron railings. Inmates needed to work long hours to fund their keep. Conditions were hard and fitness for work was assessed. Stone-breaking, oakum picking, sack making, cleaning, laundry work and helping in the kitchen were jobs handed out to inmates able to work. Stone-breaking work, hammering large lumps of granite for road making, was employment for men; a physically demanding, gruelling routine. Results from this monotonous, back-breaking work was estimated each day; the broken stones were sold for road mending. Oakum picking – women’s work – teasing out old tarred ropes, was a monotonous task that often caused damaged, sore fingers. The disentangled fibres were used for many purposes, for example sealing gaps in the timbers of wooden ships and deck planking. There was no pay, just an allowance of food. In each workhouse the children were taught reading, writing and basic mathematics. Prayer time, religious education, Bible stories and rote learning of longer prayers was part of the school timetable. Older children were taught needlework or woodwork. There were set mealtimes, playtimes and physical education sessions. The daily routine in workhouses began with rising at 6 with set mealtimes, work, with prayer before breakfast and after supper, and Divine Service on Sundays. There was no provision for people of other faiths, for Catholics or Jews. It was difficult for Catholics, especially those who, in great numbers, left Ireland during the 5

famine years, not to have access to a Priest, to Mass or to the Sacraments.

The Poor Law Amendment Act 1886 gave persons of other faiths the hope that there would be change. Cardinal Manning, in his quest and concern for social justice, wrote to all the Boards of Guardians of the London Workhouses, requesting that they comply with this new law of religious freedom. There is no reference in the Annals of St Edward’s Convent of when the Sisters started to visit the Marylebone Workhouse, but there’s one very interesting entry: 2nd February 1875 ‘Twenty-four old people from Marylebone Workhouse had a tea party in the House of Mercy, given by Miss Allies, on the occasion of her twenty-fourth birthday.’ That one entry gives a clear indication that the Sisters were, by now, visiting the Workhouse. There was a small Catholic Chapel in the Marylebone Workhouse, served from St James’ Church, Spanish Place; the Chaplain for many years was Father Joseph Law. Sunday Mass and other Services continued until its closure in 1965. Four Sisters from the Community that I knew who regularly visited between 1949 and 1965 are; Sister M Evangelist Reany, Sister Mary Campion Wildgoose, Sister M Kevin Carey and Sister M Anastasia O’Halloran. During that period the Novices, each in turn, were the companions to the Professed Sister.

The first Saint Marylebone Parish Workhouse began in 1730 in a rented property. A new permanent workhouse was built in 1750 to accommodate forty people. This building was enlarged in the 1760s to hold two hundred and twenty inmates. A new larger workhouse was built in 1775 at the edge of the newly constructed ‘New Road’ (later named ‘Marylebone Road’); it was designed to hold up to a thousand men, women and children. By the 1790s this new workhouse, with its increased capacity, was stretched to its limits with as many as 1100 inmates. The workhouse buildings gradually expanded until, by the 1840s, there was a population of more than 2000. Inmates in the Workhouse were assigned different areas: men, women, children and ‘wards’ for the aged infirm. Entering the Workhouse was dreaded with great fear; it meant breaking up the social unit of a family to the various areas within the workhouse.

Road building, across the fields north of Oxford Street, began in the 1700s.

Grand houses with stables, shops and places of leisure were soon built along these streets. Housing for the poor, away from these grand houses, was built by unscrupulous landlords. They were mainly designed for a family to one room, with little sanitary provision or access to clean water. Liza Picard in Victorian London wrote: ‘There is no sanitation, whole courts and alleys are furnished with one water closet, and that is in a perfectly unapproachable condition.’

Charles Dickens lived in Devonshire Terrace, Marylebone from 1839 to 6

1851. His home was just a couple of streets from the St Marylebone Workhouse. Dickens recognised the great inequalities of Victorian society and saw the urgent need for social reform. He co-founded The Daily News in 1846, a national newspaper, with the aim of drawing attention to the disgraceful, overcrowded slum dwellings in Marylebone, other parts of London and beyond. It also highlighted that much of these appalling conditions were in London, the richest city of the Empire. In six of his published books (A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Dombey and Son, Martin Chuzzlewit, The Old Curiosity Shop and Barnaby Rudge), written while he lived in Marylebone, he not only drew attention to the conditions in workhouses but also to the wretched living conditions of the poor and infirm in the slum areas. In 1846, he, with Angela Burdett-Coutts, heiress to her uncle’s fortune and enthusiastic for social reform, opened a large house, in Shepherd’s Bush, as a refuge for women working as prostitutes. Dickens, in a letter said these women and girls were living a life ‘dreadful in its nature and consequences and full of affliction, misery and despair...’ now they had the opportunity to train as cooks, housekeepers or needlewomen. They were also taught to read and write. Angela Burdett-Coutts was one of the women pioneers in the construction of housing schemes for the poor. She was also a co-founder of the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (later to become NSPCC).

Jack Whitehead in his book The Growth of St Marylebone and Paddington wrote: ‘Lisson Grove is painfully poverty stricken.’

Mark Riddaway in Marylebone V illage wrote: ‘the whole area was pockmarked with slums.’

Roy Porter’s book London: A Social History highlighted the fact that there was no relief for the poor outside the Workhouse. Smallpox, measles, whooping cough, scarlet fever, typhoid and cholera were rife among the poor who lived in squalid living conditions. He quoted a letter in The Times (5th July 1849) with more than fifty signatures. The Letter follows: ‘Sur may we beg and beseech your proteckshion and power. We are Sur, as it may be, living in a Willderniss, so far as the rest of London knows anything of us, or as rich and great people care about. We live in muck and filthe. We aint got no priviz, no dust bins, no drains or suer in the hole place. The Suer Company, in Greek Street, Soho Square, all great rich and powerful men, take no notice watsomedever of our complaints. The stench of the Gully Hole is disgustin. We all of us suffur and numbers are ill, and if the colera comes Lord help us.’

London Labour and the London Poor was a series of articles for the Morning Chronical in the 1840s by Henry Mayhew, a social researcher and 7

journalist. He too observed and drew attention to ‘the very poorest in this the richest city in the world.’

The area between Lisson Grove and Edgware Road was one of the poorest areas of London. Doctor Norman Kerr wrote a letter (The Fever Dens– Extraordinary Revelations) to The Marylebone Mercury in November 1881 during an outbreak of typhus fever in Charles Street (now Ranston Street), drawing attention to the failure and neglect of the Sanitary Authority of the Parish in dealing with this, ‘in an area where people were undernourished and defeated by destitution.’

Slum clearance was slow; it was in 1896 that the slums in Charles Street were pulled down and low rent red brick cottages with small back gardens were built. Octavia Hill, who worked to replace these slum dwellings and other social housing beyond Marylebone, with financial help from the poet John Ruskin, bought the leases and supervised the building of the cottages.

When they were ready for occupation, she requested that the name ‘Charles Street’ be changed to ‘Ranston Street.’ These cottages are now listed Grade 2

by English Heritage. Other street names were also changed as the slums were demolished and better housing was built.* Redevelopment continued over the years by St Marylebone Borough Council and, later in the 1930s, by London County Council, including major redevelopment after WW2 war damage. *Some of the Street Name Changes  Charles Street – Ranston Street  Devonshire Street – Ashmill Street  Great James Street – Bell Street  Earl Street – Broadley Street  Stafford Street – Cosway Street  Carlisle Street – Penfold Street  Exeter Street – Ashbridge Street In 1900, St Marylebone became The Metropolitan Borough of Saint Marylebone until, in 1965, the Boroughs of Marylebone, Paddington and Westminster became the City of W estminster. St Marylebone was granted a Coat of Arms in 1901 by the College of Arms. Our Lady, holding the Child Jesus, stands at the top between two white lilies, the wavy lines at the bottom depict the River Tyburn and the Motto ‘Fiat secundum verbum tuum.’

8

Violet Hill Garden (Photo taken by Sister Kathleen O’Brien)

Plaque on Violet Hill House (Photo taken by Sister Breda Ryan)

9

Foundation 1842 ‘Mercy is life-giving, strengthening and challenging’ Venerable Catherine McAuley

St Edward the Confessor

The great need for a Convent of Mercy near to the poor of Marylebone inspired two Priest brothers, Fathers John Ambrose and Edward Hearn, to get in touch with the Sisters of Mercy in Baggot Street asking for help. The foundation was not without a struggle. Having found four women willing to go to Baggot Street for their religious formation, there was a question of money to enable this to happen. The Annals state ‘they had no funds’*; the Vicar Apostolic of the London District, Right Rev Thomas Griffiths, ‘though most anxious for the success the undertaking that because insufficiency of funds, that the project must be abandoned.’ The Catholic Church, at the Reformation, was stripped of all its wealth and property. The Virginia Charter of 1606 established the Anglican Church. The strict Penal Laws of 1607 forced Catholics to accept the newly established Anglican Church and deprived them of all civil life. The Penal Laws were, according to Edmund Burke, ‘a machine of wise and elaborate contrivance, well fitted for oppression, impoverishment and degradation.’ From Elizabeth to George Ill, Catholics were forbidden to hold Catholic services or keep registers. Catholics were compelled to attend Anglican Divine Service; they were forbidden to receive education, own land or property, enter a profession, hold public office or live within five miles of a market town.

Charles Butler and Daniel O’Connell in their book Historical Account Laws against Roman Catholics referred to the ‘draconian Penal Laws which sought to prevent the practice of the Catholic Faith.’ Richard R. Madden’s book, The History Penal Laws wrote of them as the p p cen ency Elizabeth Hercy, a Postulant with the Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey, *St Edward's Annals used in research: Archive reference GB1844/9/200/9/4 10

Worcestershire heard of the financial problem and offered herself to join the group for the foundation. Elizabeth had a yearly income which, according to the Annals, ‘removed all difficulty’ and ‘the willing Dublin and the following day entered the Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, Baggot Street (Mother House of the Order) to begin their Religious Formation. They were: Frances and Anne Hearn, daughters of Thomas and Charlotte Hearn, Waterford, Ireland (sisters of Fathers John and Edward Hearn); Catherine MacDaniel, daughter of Charles and Catherine MacDaniel, London; Maria Julia Phillips, daughter of Stephen and Maria Phillips, London and Elizabeth Hercy, daughter of John and Frances Hercy, Crutchfield, Berkshire. The following month, 11th May, Sophia Joyce Boyton, daughter of William and Ellen Boyton, Dublin joined the five Sisters for the London Foundation. On June 1st 1843, Teresa Hercy (Elizabeth Hercy's sister) entered the Novitiate.

16th April 1842, just after the young ladies entered the Novitiate, there was an appeal for funding in the London and Dublin Journal, signed by eight Priests. (A ppendix 1). The money raised from this appeal was enough to buy a seven year lease on 32 Queen Square, London. The Square, in the early 1800s, became a less wealthy and fashionable place; many of the large houses were for sale, to lease or to rent. Built in the early 1700s, its large houses became the homes of many famous and distinguished musicians, writers and painters. There was a place of recreation and entertainment in the large ballroom at one end of the Square.

The Sisters, during their formation in the Novitiate, were under the care of Mother Mary Vincent Whitty, Mistress of Novices. They lived alongside Sisters in the Baggot Street Community who had worked with Catherine McAuley and were inspired by her compassionate dedication in serving the poor; those who were sick, hungry and lacking the necessities of life, not just food, water and clothing, but also sanitation, education, healthcare and friendship. Catherine's maxim, ‘The poor need help today not next week,’ was lived out every day. The Sisters would have had many

11

On 30th July 1844, the six Sisters made their Solemn Profession in the presence of Right Reverend Daniel Murray; Mother Mary Cecilia Marmion, Superior; Mother Mary di Pazzi Delany, Mother Assistant; Mother Mary Vincent Whitty, Mistress of Novices and the Reverend Fathers John and Edward Hearn. Next day, 31st July, Sister M Agnes O’Connor, daughter of Patrick and Mary O’Connor, Kilkenny, and Sister Mary Breen, daughter of Patrick and Rebecca Breen, Dublin, the Sisters for the London Foundation (including the Novice, Sister M Evangelista Hercy) accompanied by Fathers John and Edward Hearn, sailed from Kingston and arrived next day in Liverpool. They stayed one night in the newly founded St Ethelburgha's Convent of Mercy. Next morning, Friday 2nd August, they continued their journey and arrived at Queen Square in the evening. Some relatives and friends of the Sisters were waiting to welcome them. Next day, The Right Reverend Doctor Griffiths, Vicar Apostolic of the London District, visited the Community. He welcomed the Sisters and appointed Sister M Agnes O’Connor Mother Superior of the Community. The first Mass was celebrated on 4th by Right Reverend Doctor Griffiths, assisted by Reverend Edward Hearn. His Lordship blessed the Convent and dedicated it to St Edward the Confessor. The Blessed Sacrament was reserved in the Chapel.

On 8th August, six days after their arrival at Queen Square, the Sisters began visitation of the sick poor and started to give religious instruction and prepare children for the Sacraments. These un-cloistered Sisters, ‘Walking Nuns’ were the first to begin this charitable ministration among the destitute poor in the area in or near Bloomsbury. Katherine Burton in her book ‘Where There is Love,’ (referring to Mother Mary Agnes O’Connor’s and the Sisters’ of Mercy experiences soon after their arrival in Queen Square), wrote of this mission: ‘the Sisters found themselves the subjects of persecution. Some people would shout, ‘Sisters of Misery’ or ‘Black Devils’ after them as they went along the street, and sometimes live coals were thrown at them.’

The first Chapter was held by the Community on 15th August; Sister M de Sales Hearn was voted to fill the office of Mother Assistant. The first Postulant, The Honourable Arabella Petre, daughter of Robert Edward Lord Petre and Mary Bridget, Lady Petre of Thorndon Hall, Essex entered the Convent on 5th September. She was soon joined by Rachel Last, daughter of John and Lucy Last of Suffolk. Sister Mary di Pazzi Boyton was elected Mistress of Novices. Marianne and Emily Testar, daughters of John and Anne Testar of London, and Sarah Connolly, daughter of Bartholomew and Sarah Connolly of London, entered soon afterwards. 25th August Miss Cummins gave the Convent a relic of the Holy Cross. The relic is at St Edward's in a reliquary in the Chapel.

12

In September 1845, six Sisters from Baggot Street on their way to found a Convent of Mercy in Perth, Western Australia stayed with the Community for a few weeks. Right Reverend Doctor Brady, Bishop of Western Australia, appointed Sister Mary Ursula Frayne, Superior of this new Foundation. Five Sisters from St Leo’s Convent of Mercy, Carlow, on their way to found a Convent in New Zealand, stayed at St Edward’s 9 October 1851.

The first great sorrow for the Community was the death of the Postulant, Emily Testar, R.I.P., who died of typhus fever on 28th October 1845; she was 28 years old.

The 21st November was a day of celebration and thanksgiving for the Community. Sister Mary Evangelista Hercy, a Novice, who returned from Baggot Street with the Founding Sisters, made her Solemn Profession in the presence of The Right Reverend Doctor Griffiths, Vicar Apostolic of the London District. It was the first of many Receptions and Professions in the Queen Square Chapel.

Reverend Mother M Agnes O’Connor and Sister Mary Teresa Breen, who were lent from the Baggot Street Community to help the infant Foundation in Queen Square, were recalled to Dublin in January 1846. There they prepared to lead a group of five Sisters and a Postulant, who at the request of Right Reverend Doctor Hughes, Bishop of New York, would establish the first Convent of Mercy in the USA.

13

Sister Mary di Pazzi Boyton was elected Superior of Queen Square on 30th January 1846. Later that year, Father John Hearn’s health began to fail; he died in Penzance, Cornwall on 16th December and was buried in the crypt of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penzance, on Christmas Eve 1846, R.I.P. The Queen Square Community lost one of the Founding Fathers, someone who was involved and interested in the development and success of the mission and their devotion to the poor. Sister Mary Vincent Hearn, one of the Founding Sisters, died on October 1848, R.I.P. She is buried in the Crypt of the Church of Our Lady, Lisson Grove.

14

St Edward's Convent (the grey building) is marked by a green arrow

On 27th June 1851, Sisters Mary Xavier Petre, Evangelista Hercy and Austin Connolly went to Baggot Street to study the Irish National System of Education. They returned to take responsibility for the School which opened on the Feast of St Edward King and Confessor, 13th October 1851. His Eminence Cardinal Wiseman celebrated Mass in the Convent Chapel and blessed the School. The Chapel at that time was on the 1st floor, above the school rooms. The children who attended the School were from the poorest families; in the first report of St Edward’s Convent of Mercy and Poor School it states, ‘There are above 400 children on the school roll, of whom many of the most destitute are supplied with clothing.’

15

There was a special Mass of thanksgiving on 20th October 1851 for Mr Charles Joseph Pagliano. He was a well-known and respected Italian philanthropist, from Positano, Italy, who lived in London; a great benefactor to a number of Catholic charitable causes, including the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Aged Poor Society and funding the building of Alms Houses. He generously gave £3200 to build the House of Mercy. The contract was signed on 26th August 1852 and the House of Mercy opened on 23rd January 1854.

Charles Pagliano was married to Mary Floris, daughter of Juan Floris, founder, with his wife Elizabeth, of the Floris perfumery at 98 Jermyn Street, London SWlY 6JH. The perfumery is still at the same address with the original shop front in place. Charles and Mary owned the Sabloniere Hotel, Leicester Square. It was popular with visitors to London, especially with Italian visitors who liked to socialise there. A report of his funeral in The Tablet, 24th August 1861 reads: ‘We announced last week the death of this excellent man and generous benefactor to the poor. The Requiem Mass took place at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Brook Green Hammersmith. Father Edward Hearn, Vicar General, was the celebrant. The great feature in the procession was the attendance of the Reverend Mother Superior and eight of the Religious, with 30 young girls from the House of Mercy, Blandford Square, who followed next to the hearse as a debt of gratitude to the deceased, at whose sole expense the House of Mercy was entirely built. Printed papers of invitation to be present at the Church were sent to the old people at the Alms Houses, and as many as were able attended.’ Floris London produced a scent in his memory, ‘Bergamotto di Positano’ named after the village in Italy where Charles was born and spent his early years.

9th December 1852: His Eminence Cardinal Wiseman Confirmed 47 children in the Convent Chapel. Reverend Father Vincent Whitty, Provost of the Diocese and Father James O’Neal, senior Priest at the Church of Our Lady were also present.

27th September 1853 nine Loreto Sisters from their Convent in Dublin, on their way to make a foundation of their Order in Calcutta, stayed until 31st.

From the Annals, 8th July 1854: ‘His Eminence Cardinal Wiseman preached a Charity Sermon on behalf of the School and the House of Mercy.’ The School Log Book records ‘We have a plentiful supply of gruel and arrowroot.’* Annual Charity sermons, preached by Cardinals, Bishops and Priests on behalf of the School and the House of Mercy, are mentioned in the Annals. There were Charity Sermons too asking for support for the Sisters. It is very evident that this support the Sisters received enabled their mission in Marylebone to succeed. We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those benefactors. In November 1854, Mother M Elizabeth and companion Sisters stayed on their 16

way to Scutari.

5th January 1856 five Sisters, from Baggot Street, who were accompanied by Mother M Vincent Whitty as far as Southampton, on their way to make a foundation in Buenos Aires, stayed a few days at St Edward’s. Next day, 6th January, 30 poor women from St John’s Wood Parish dined in the Convent.

This was the first of many occasions recorded in the Annals, when the poor were welcomed for a meal on the feasts of the Epiphany and Our Lady of Mercy. The school children were often given ‘a feast’ in the School at Christmas, on the feast of Our Lady of Mercy and other special occasions. On 8 th May, Mother Frances Bridgeman and eleven Sisters arrived from Balaclava.

Sister M

His Eminence Cardinal Wiseman Conferred Minor Orders on several Candidates for the Priesthood in 1858, and again in 1859, in the Convent Chapel.

2nd June 1864: ‘A bazaar was held for the benefit of the Orphanage attached to the Convent.’ Oral tradition passed down tells that the Sisters who were nursing a sick mother promised her, when she was dying, that they would look after her infant children. The orphanage was closed some years later when there was no longer a need for this service. A Mothers’ Meeting was begun. It was an opportunity for mothers to socialise and learn new skills in sewing, garment making for their children and simple nourishing recipes.

The extension to the Convent was started in 1866 included a refectory, community room, bedrooms and a large infirmary. The first meal in the new refectory was on Easter Sunday, 21st April, 1867. Next day, Cardinal Manning celebrated Mass in the new community room and blessed the Convent extension.

The Annals has an interesting record for August 16th 1869, ‘His Grace Archbishop Manning called a meeting of all the Reverend Mothers and their Assistants from the Convents of the Archdiocese; except the enclosed New Hall Carmelites and the Poor Clare Sisters.’ The Archbishop wished to give a day’s Retreat. The Meeting was held at St Edward’s Convent, where Superiors from eighteen Congregations/Institutes were present.

‘Sisters of the Assumption of the Sacred Heart Sisters of Charity of St Paul Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Les Dames *St Edward’s School Log Book GB1844/9/900/1/2-4

17

de

Saint

Andre Dominican Sisters Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis Good Shepherd Sisters Sisters of the Most Precious Blood Sisters of the Holy Child Sisters of Nazareth Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion Sisters of Providence Sisters of La Sainte Union Sisters of Marie Reparatrice Fait hfu l Companions of Jesus Ursulines Sisters of the Congregation of Mary Little Sisters of the Poor

In January 1869, there is an account of the Sisters trying to establish a Convent at Middlesbrough, Yorkshire. This was at the invitation of the Bishop of Beverley. This Mission was not a success. The Sisters returned to St Edward’s in 1872.

1870/71 during the Franco Prussian War, St Edward’s became home to many Sisters from France; Les Dames Religious de la Croix, from St Quentin; Benedictine Sisters, from Verneuil-sur­Seine; Dominican Sisters from Paris; Visitation Sisters from Boulogne and Sisters of Bon Secours from

1st May 1873: ‘Sister M Vincent Whitty, six Sisters and a Postulant from 18

Baggot Street, on their way to Brisbane to found a Convent of Mercy, stayed for some days at St Edward’s.’

8th December 1874: ‘The new bell called ‘Mary Edward’ was rung for the first time.’ It was cast in the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, Tower Hamlets, London.

22nd January 1886: Death of Canon Edward Hearn DD, one of the founding Fathers who, with his brother John Ambrose, was a significant figure in the Foundation of the Convent at Queen Square. He died in Tramore, Co Waterford aged 77 and is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery, next to the Church of the Holy Cross. He was appointed Vicar General to Cardinal Wiseman and resided for many years at the Church of the Assumption, Warwick Street.

The Sisters lost a great and supportive friend who took immense interest in the foundation at Queen Square and in the new Convent at Blandford Square, may he rest in peace.

the School, increasing the size of the School by 100%. ‘Digging and laying the foundation of the new Chapel began on 15th August 1894. Revd J Brennan blessed the new Chapel on 21st July 1895; the Apostle, Saint Edward the Confessor and Saint Agnes are embedded in the Altar Stone. The 19

solemn opening of the Chapel was on 26th July.’ The Architect for the Chapel was Alfred Edward Purdie.

The first Chapel, now part of St Edward’s School, circa 1895

9th May 1895, ‘Reverend G Delaney blessed the beautiful stone statue of Our Lady and Child, presented to the Sisters by Dr Rymer, previous to it being placed on the outside wall of the Chapel.’

10th June 1895: ‘The Sisters, at the request of Father Joseph Greene, took charge of St Mary’s School, Bosworth Road, Kensal New Town.’ ‘Six Sisters from St Edward’s moved into the recently purchased Convent in Hazelwood Crescent, close to the Church of the Holy Souls and to St Mary’s School, on 2nd February 1897.’

Dom Bede Camm O.S.B. in his book Marie A dele Garnier and the founding of Tyburn Convent records that in 1901 the newly founded Congregation was exiled from France. ‘The Sisters, with permission of His Eminence Cardinal Vaughan, sought refuge at St Edward’s Convent.’ Dom Camm records: ‘The Sisters, Benedictine Adorers of the Sacred Heart, left their Convent in Montmarte on 13th September 1901. On reaching London, they took refuge at St Edward’s Convent, Harewood Avenue, where they were most kindly received.’ The Sisters moved into a temporary Convent, Bassett Road, Notting Hill on 12th October 1901.

In 1898, Reverend Mother Margaret Blount, Superior of St Edward’s, became too ill to be able to continue living in the polluted London air. On Doctor’s orders she went to Margate, where her health improved, but it was unlikely that she would ever return to London. The Benedictine Nuns at St Mildred’s Convent, Minster left to join a larger Community. The Abbot of St Augustine’s, Ramsgate asked Mother Margaret Mary to form a small 20

Community of Sisters of Mercy at St Mildred’s and undertake the work of a House of Mercy. Two or three Sisters from St Edward’s joined Mother Margaret Mary at Minster. This work succeeded and a school was opened.

However, as St Mildred’s Convent was in the Southwark Diocese, the Convent couldn’t continue as a Branch House of St Edward’s. St Mildred’s was affiliated to the Convent of Mercy Bermondsey. Mother Margaret Mary chose to join the Bermondsey Community; she continued to live at Minster until 1918 when St Mildred’s Convent was closed. Mother Margaret Mary went to the Convent of Mercy, Worthing. She was by now an invalid confined to her room, but still mentally alert and interested in all the works of the Sisters. She died on 4th June 1927, aged 80 and is buried in Worthing, R.I.P.

St Edward’s Convent, circa 1900s

by Alexander Corbett

St Edward’s School became part of the London County Council (LCC) Education Service on 28th July 1905. In December that year, the Catholic Educational Council published a statement regarding the training of teachers.

‘Superiors were urged to send Sisters to the newly established Catholic Training Colleges (Hull Training College, St Mary's Hammersmith and St Charles, Bayswater), if suitable accommodation was available, or to local Day Training Colleges.’ ‘The LCC gave notice that considerable improvements be made to the School. The alterations were carried out, the entire cost of the work falling on the Convent.’ ‘In 1909 an additional room was required to accommodate 48 more children, half of a dormitory, in the House of Mercy, was taken for a new classroom.’

21

attended a meeting with Archbishop Francis Bourne, at which all the Superiors of the Convents of Mercy in the Archdiocese were present. A general Novitiate for Sisters of Mercy in the Archdiocese was the business discussed.’

Later that year, December 1910, from the Annals: ‘As there are only thirtyseven more years of the Lease of the Convent, it was thought desirable a leasehold policy at an annual premium securing a considerable sum at the expiration of the lease, towards either renewing it or purchasing another property. Two policies, one from the Royal Exchange Assurance Company and the other from The Phoenix Company, were purchased and are in the keeping of Messrs Blount, Lynch and Petre.’

In 1910, a house in Kelvedon, a village near Braintree, Essex was bought with a view of having a Convalescent Home where sick Sisters could rest and recuperate. During the 1914-18 War, the house was requisitioned by the Government and soldiers from the Royal Warwick Regiment were billeted there. The Convent was sold at the end of the war.

Easter Sunday 8th April 1917: ‘The Kensal Sisters came for dinner and gave us all the

matter discussed was the need for a Hostel for Nuns in connection with Bedford College, Regent's Park, to fit them for the requirements of the Education Authority, concerned with Secondary Education.’ The Fisher Education Act of 1918 raised the school leaving age from 13 to 14.

S Student

was

so

.

.’

22

In March 1919, there was a ‘Consultation Chapter re the Amalgamation of the Sisters of

Elections took place on July 5th: (Members of the General Council) Sister M Benedict (Cadogan Street, Chelsea); Sister Mary Bridget (Hardinge Street); Sister Margaret Mary (Grove End Road) and Sister M Aquinas (Crispin Street), General Bursar; Sister M Francis (Grove End Road) was elected Secretary General.’ ‘On 24th July His Eminence Cardinal Bourne, Monsignor Canon Surmont and Monsignor Canon Nolan came to

25th September 1922 ‘Marie Louise Gordon, (a Postulant who entered in Grove End Road Convent), received the Religious Habit from His Eminence the Cardinal, she took the name of Sister Mary Gabriel.’ 5th August 1927: ‘The amended Constitutions were approved by Rome. The Te Deum was sung in thanksgiving. A copy of the Constitutions was given to each Sister on 3rd March 1928.’

23

The Novices, 1924

24

24th May 1932: ‘Two officials from the Lord Portman Estate came to St Edward’s regarding purchase of Freehold.’

13 t h was £20,000.

The Deeds are kept by Blount, Lynch and Petre. They are signed by Annie McHugh (Sister M Columba); Ellen Mullins (Sister M Aloysia); W inifred Josephine Cradock (Sister M de Sales); Marie Louise Jervis Gordon (Sister M Gabriel); A copy of the Deeds are kept in the Convent by Reverend Mother.’ Additional land was included in the purchase; two derelict cottages in Hayes Place adjoining the Sisters’ garden. The cottages were demolished to become the first school playground in 1934. school leaving age from 14 to 15. To meet the requirements, new schools had to be built, or existing ones enlarged for Senior Pupils. The Education Authorities would pay a sum towards the expense. The Archbishops and Bishops accepted this proposal on certain conditions. A committee of Priests was appointed to deal with the local area.

It was decided to have a Senior School built in Homer Row for the surrounding areas. Our school was to be used for Junior Girls and Infants.’

During the war the School in Homer Row was badly damaged. It reopened, after the war, as a Junior and Infant School.

14th April 1939: ‘Twenty-two of our Sisters took the ARP examination, all passed and received certificates. A basement room in the House of Mercy has been lent to the Borough Council as a Wardens’ Post in the event of war. This Air Raid Wardens’ Post was manned by 36 Wardens.’ The Sisters 25

wore the prescribed Boiler Suit type of uniform when they were on fire watch.

25th August 1939: ‘Sister M Benignus Corry, Sister M Aloysia Mullins and the Novices were evacuated to Frome in Somerset, the frail and elderly Sisters to Princethorpe, Hillingdon and Swanage. The school children were evacuated with the Sisters and Teachers – St Edward’s to Beaconsfield, Richmond Street to Watford and Kensal to Chippenham.’

‘War was declared on 3rd September 1939. The Refectory was shored up and turned into an air-raid shelter. The Sisters had their meals in the adjoining room. The Chapel was blacked out with curtains on the windows.’ The local people used the air-raid shelter in the Convent. Among the families who used the shelter was the North family: Rosaline, Betty and their mother. Their house was destroyed along with other houses and buildings in Lisson Grove, behind the Convent, on the evening of 14th October 1940. There was also some damage to the School, the Convent roof and other local buildings. The North family lived in the Convent for about six months until accommodation was found for them near to St James’ Church, Spanish Place.

Albans.’

18th June 1944: ‘Tyburn Convent was badly damaged by a flying bomb.

Mother Prioress and seventeen Sisters arrived here at 8pm. Four Sisters, who were injured, were taken to St Mary’s Hospital. Reverend Father Short from Homer Row brought the Altar Stone and Sacred Vessels here.’

2nd August 1944: ‘We kept the Centenary of our Foundation. High Mass was celebrated by Reverend Canon John McKenna, Canon James Goggin and Monsignor Edward Brown. Canon William Wood preached. There were seven other Priests in the Sanctuary. The Te Deum was sung in thanksgiving.

Also present were Sisters from all our Convents in the Archdiocese. A plaque to commemorate the occasion is on the wall, behind the front door of the Convent.’

23rd October 1944: ‘The Sisters gave a farewell concert to the Tyburn Nuns.

They were very pleased and appreciative. Each had a copy of the song we composed in their honour.’

25th December 1945: ‘We had Midnight Mass for the first time since 1938.

The Mary Edward bell which was silenced during the war was rung.’

‘On Ascension Day twenty-two Sisters went, by invitation, to a tea party at Tyburn Convent. It was a happy occasion and all came away full of 26

admiration for the work done by these Enclosed Nuns.’

26th July 1945: ‘Golden Jubilee of our Chapel, we had High Mass at which His Lordship Archbishop Bernard Griffin presided. About twenty Priests and a large number of Sisters were present, including Sisters from Hull, Liverpool, Birmingham and Brighton. To mark the occasion a poetic tribute was composed by Sister M Magdalen Hennessy and printed and illuminated

by Sister M Austin Sheehan. The completed work, in a frame, now hangs in the Cloister close to the Chapel.’

Full fifty glist’ning, golden years of gleaning In this house of God most holy, Of graces, and lessons profound and lowly, Of Bethlehem, Nazareth and Calvary To our inward faith revealing.

Drawing our hearts with love and longing To that union, when we are lost in him.

Oh! from our hearts and lips arise today, Adoramus Te, Glorificamus Te Gratias agimus tibi propter magnum Gloriam Tuam—Domine Deus

28th June 1946: ‘Sister M Bertrand Degnan and a companion Sister, from New York, stayed at St Edward’s for some weeks. Sister M Bertrand is writing a life of Our Holy Foundress and seeks first hand information on Sister M Agnes O’Connor and our Foundation at Queen Square.’ Sister M Bertrand’s book Mercy unto Thousands, The Life of Mother M Catherine McA uley was published in 1957. An autographed copy was given to Mother M Magdalen Hennessy, Superior of St Edward’s.

22nd July 1949: ‘The Branch House at Kensal closed. The Sisters returned to St Edward’s and travelled to St Mary’s School each day.’

There’s a period of some years when the Annals were not kept. Sisters who were members of the Community at St Edward’s share memories of those years: Sisters on evacuation with the schools, the elderly and frail Sisters and the 27

Novices returned soon after the war ended. There was much to be done in the Convent and especially in the School, which had bomb damage, to prepare for the return of the Sisters and the reopening of the School. The number of young people asking to enter the Novitiate increased. By the end of the war and the introduction of the Welfare State, the House of Mercy was no longer needed.

In February 1950 it was refurbished to become the Novitiate. There was plenty of space for study rooms and places for other activities. Professionals were employed to give weekly Scripture Study and Theology lectures; input and discussion on current affairs; dance, speech and drama classes. Other professionals, including a Calligrapher, were employed so that Novices had the opportunity to learn various calligraphy fonts and other useful skills.

Novices studying, 1950

During the 1950s, several Convents joined the Westminster Amalgamation: Swanage and Weymouth on 1st February 1955; Nottingham and Mansfield on 3rd March 1956; the Scottish Communities on 18th December 1956. These occasions were always times of celebration, especially getting to know the Sisters and hearing the stories of their foundations and their works of Mercy.

Towards the middle of the 1950s there were ongoing negotiations regarding the rebuilding of St Edward’s School; it was formally opened and blessed by His Grace Archbishop John Carmel Heenan on 13th May 1963.

In the middle of the 1960s, a number of Sisters went from St Edward’s to teach in schools in other parishes: Tyburn School, Marylebone; St Francis, Notting Hill; St Joseph’s, Macklin Street; Our Lady of Dolours, Paddington; Wembley High School; Our Lady of Grace, Dollis Hill; Latimer Secondary School and St Joseph's, Maida Vale.

28

The blessing of the new school by Cardinal John Carmel Heenan.

Left to right: Sisters M Gabriel Gordon, Benignus Corry, Magdalen Hennessy and Teresa Mary Hynes

On the 27th April 1975, there was a meeting of the Superior General and Councillors of the Westminster Amalgamation with the Superior General and Councillors of the Birmingham Amalgamation. The meeting took place at Harewood Avenue, the Agenda was focused on the feasibility of amalgamating Birmingham Convents with the Union of the Sisters of Mercy.

27th December 1975, at the General Chapter, the Mothers General, their Councillors and elected Delegates, from both Amalgamations, discussed and approved of the Union. At the Chapter which followed, the newly elected General Council members were from across the newly formed Mercy Union.

There were the usual celebrations and prayers of thanksgiving in all our Convents.

In 1976, the Novices from the Union, the Institute and the Federation, with a joint Formation

July 1980: It was with much rejoicing that the Sisters from the Barnsley Convent joined the Union of the Sisters of Mercy.

29

On Sunday 24th of September 1978, Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, there was a special Mass of thanksgiving in Westminster Cathedral to commemorate the bi-centenary of the birth of Catherine McAuley. His Eminence Cardinal Hume, Cardinal Gray, thirty Bishops and over two hundred Priests concelebrated the Mass. Sisters of Mercy from every Convent in Great Britain, their guests, relatives and friends filled the Cathedral. Cardinal Hume, the main concelebrant, said in his homily, ‘We have come, not only to pray and rejoice with you, but to say ‘thank you’ for the work which you do in our different dioceses. You can be assured that your work is greatly appreciated and valued.’ Sister M Helena Desmond, SHCJ, wrote in Signum, a monthly publication for religious: ‘Thanks to the generosity of the Sisters, guests were royally provided with a meal after the ceremony, in three of the great hotels near the Cathedral.’

As our numbers became less, there was space and facilities for other uses; ‘Retreats With a Difference’; ‘UCM meetings’; ‘Secondary School Day Retreats’; ‘Vocation Groups’; and ‘Neo Catechumenal Way’ meetings. A group of Missionaries of Charity Sisters (founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta), were welcomed, for a meal each year, during the Christmas Season. The Chapel was used monthly for a special Mass for young people and adults with disabilities and their families. Afterwards, there were refreshments, entertainment and time to socialise.

buttered the bread, two did the filling and two cut and wrapped the sandwiches. Our Sisters in the kitchen left everything ready for the workers. In the evening a hot meal was provided, this was served by the Sisters who were out all day: Teachers, a District Nurse, a Nursery Nurse and a Hospital Chaplain. This service to the disadvantaged poor ended at Easter 1994 when we moved from St Edward’s to smaller houses.

30

On 9th April 1990 our Foundress was declared Venerable. There was a Mass of Thanksgiving at Westminster Cathedral on the theme, ‘The Mercies of the Lord I will sing forever.’ The dedication inside the cover of the Mass booklet was: ‘Today the Sisters of Mercy give thanks to God for the elevation of their Foundress, Catherine McAuley, to the state of Venerable.’ There was also a quote from Venerable Catherine: ‘Put your whole confidence in God. He will never see you want.’ His Eminence Cardinal Hume was the main concelebrant; he was assisted by his Auxiliary Bishops and Priests from the Parishes where the Sisters worked. A large number of Sisters, Mercy Associates and friends were present. Communities had a celebratory meal with Associates and friends.

1990: Sister Anna Burke, who was Chaplain at the Middlesex Hospital for twelve years, went on an HIV/ AIDS Pastoral Car e Course to San Francisco General Hospital. In 1991, she was Missioned by Sister Mercy Buckley and the Community at St Edward’s as Care Manager to Bethany Respite Care Centre.

The Charity was developed by Sister Sheila Burke and the Community at the Convent of Mercy, Bodmin, Cornwall.

Sisters moving into St Edward’s and the opening of the School. There was a Mass of Thanksgiving in St Edward’s Chapel and a celebratory meal afterwards. A large gathering of Sisters filled t he Chapel for the Concelebrated Mass. The School had a Concelebrated Mass at Westminster Abbey in the Henry VII Chapel, near to the Shrine of St Edward. Bishop John Crowley and the Priests of Our Lady’s and the Rosary Churches were the Concelebrants. A number of dignitaries were invited from the Diocese and the City of Westminster Education Authority and, afterwards, to a special meal in the School dining room.

In September 1988, Sister Bernadette McCaffrey was missioned to the Community in Haverfordwest, West Wales to join Sister M Mercy Buckley in setting up the RCIA Programme in the Menevia Diocese.

20th July 1990: Sisters Margarita Cunningham and Angela Moroney, with Sister Breda Ryan, Alton Community, moved into 76 Fifth Avenue, Queen’s Park Estate. This enabled Sisters Angela and Margarita to be closer to their teaching and Parish ministries: their visits to the sick, housebound and needy in the Parish of Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Kensal New Town. Sister Breda began work at St Edward’s as Secretary to the Leadership Team. While in Alton she had attended college to study for a Diploma in computing. Sister Breda was involved in setting up the first computer system at the Generalate.

Sister Brigid Collins moved into 54 Lodge Road in August 1993. Besides her apostolate as Nursery Nurse at St Edward’s School, she also took on the role 31

of Parish Sister in the Parish of Our Lady, St John’s Wood. Sister Mary Feane, Chaplain to St George’s School, Maida Vale joined Sister Brigid in March 1994. She cared for the Headmaster, Philip Lawrence, when he was stabbed outside the gates of his School on 8th December 1995. She stayed with him and the Paramedics until he was taken to St Mary’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Sisters moved to other Houses or into Care Homes.

Sisters M Austin Sheehan, M Campion Wildgoose and Teresa Mary Hynes went to St Michael’s Care Home, Clacton and Sister M Claver Kelly to St Peter’s Care Home, Plympton, Devon. Sisters Mary Roche, Zita Ball and Marie Fogarty to St Raphael’s Convent, Hillingdon; Sister Anne Aylward to Teddington; Sister M Mercy Buckley to Fresh Horizons Convent, Westcliff, Essex; Sister M Regina Malone to 88 Hardinge Street, Commercial Road.

The remaining seven Sisters: Margaret Beary, Monica Costello, Kathleen Mary Grogan, Maria Goretti McNamara, Maureen McNamara, Margaret Moroney and Kathleen O’Brien moved to the newly purchased house, 39 Alma Square, London. These Sisters’ ministries: teaching, nursing and the General Bursar, were within easy reach of public transport.

In 1995 Father Francesco Donega and the Neo Catechumenal Way Students moved into St Edward’s Convent.

32

Saint Edward’s School In 1851 Her Majesty Queen Victoria was on the throne and it was the year of the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. The exhibition showed the industries of Victorian Britain, the Empire and other rich countries. It was a symbol of the 19th century industrial and cultural development and a way to encourage international trade for a better future; an opportunity for Britain to show off its wealth. Crushing poverty coexisted with the enormous wealth displayed in the exhibition – the great Marylebone slum was about a mile away from Hyde Park. 1851 was also the year when St Edward’s Poor School was opened and blessed by His Eminence, Cardinal Wiseman, on Monday 13th October 1851.

The Parish of Our Lady’s Poor School ‘Consols’ was sold, and the money given to the Community towards the new building, by Father James O’Neal, senior Priest of Our Lady’s Church, St John’s Wood. The School had three large classrooms. It is difficult to imagine how four hundred children could fit into that space. Galleries were erected in the classrooms to ease the overcrowding. Three Sisters had spent time in Baggot Street learning the National System of Education. They would have trained other Sisters to support them in enabling the extremely poor, deprived children to be valued and to have the opportunity to become literate and numerate. Sisters in the Community helped in other ways, cooking and garment making. School leaving age was 11. The Sisters relied on the generosity of people in supporting the School; many Charity Sermons were preached asking for funds. There are two interesting entries in the School Log Book after one of the sermons: ‘We have a plentiful supply of gruel and arrowroot’* and a report on an inspection visit to the School: ‘St Edward’s Convent of Mercy and Poor School: There are above four hundred children on the School’s roll, of whom many of the most destitute are supplied with clothing.’ Another later report says: ‘This School is housed in a block of buildings attached to a Convent, it suffers from restricted accommodation. There is no hall and no playground other than a bit of roadway outside the school, little used by the public and recently resurfaced by the Convent at its own expense. The area is a poor one where overcrowding is rife.’

9th November 1852: ‘His Eminence Cardinal Wiseman celebrated Mass at 8am. He was assisted by Very Reverend Monsignor Searle, Fathers J O’Neal, M Ryan and M Bamber. Forty-seven children were Confirmed by His Eminence.’

The Foster’s Education Act of 1870 set up a framework of ‘schooling for all children.’ This was followed by the Education Act of 1880 which made education compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 11. This was the result of a campaign by the National Education League. There were some objections to education for all. Many claimed that it would encourage the 33

poor and labouring classes to ‘think’ and perhaps revolt. In 1893 the right to education was extended to blind and deaf children. In 1899 the school leaving age was raised from 11 to 12. All schools were regularly examined by Inspectors from the School Board.

23rd June 1902: ‘His Majesty King Edward VII granted a week’s holiday in honour of his Coronation.’

10th July 1902: ‘The Borough of St Marylebone presented the School Managers with a sum of money to spend on a Coronation treat for the children. Each child received a Coronation Medal of His Majesty and a toy.

There was a party in the Convent garden and a Punch and Judy entertainment.’

September 1905: ‘Sinks and running water was installed in all Classrooms.’

11th December 1905: ‘Dense smog all day. Dismissal commenced at 4.45 so as to organize children in parties, for greater safety.’

During the early years of the School the Correspondent Manager was a Priest from the Church of Our Lady. All the classes were visited and registers were examined and signed weekly. On 14th April 1908, Father Edward Smith, Correspondent Manager, wrote in the School Log Book: ‘I have today visited the School in all its departments, tested the Registers, found them correct and the School in good working order. As this is my last official visit to the School, I feel bound to testify to the unfailing courtesy and attention to duty which has animated the whole staff from the Headmistress and the Pupil Teachers and the general kindly influence which the Staff has manifested for the welfare of the children. The School is, in every respect, in a most efficient state. I take this opportunity of recording also my thanks to the Staff for their unfailing kindness to myself, all of which has made my term of office as Manager one of great pleasure and interest. Father Edward Smith, Correspondent Manager.’

4th September 1909: ‘An oculist, who is kindly giving his attendance free of charge, saw and prescribed for nine children.’

22nd April 1910: ‘Forty children began swimming lessons at the Seymour Swimming Pool today.’

10th October 1910: ‘The School began to use the Roller Skating Rink for physical exercise classes.’ The Roller Skating Rink was next to the Convent in Harewood Avenue. It was bombed during the WW2, the site was bought by St Edward’s Convent after the war. The three classrooms, facing Harewood 34

Avenue, were built on the site in 1963.

In discharging the great duty of teaching, Religious should labour as strenuously as if their greatest efforts were necessary to ensure any degree of success, yet with an abiding consciousness that only God can fructify what His servants plant and water.

Venerable Catherine McAuley

October 1917: ‘Extra play time on account of the tired state of the children after four consecutive nights of air raids.’

‘The School was closed for several days during the Influenza epidemic. In 1918 the school leaving age was raised to 13.’

11th February 1924: ‘Sixty-six children, with three teachers, left school at 4.30 to attend a special service at Westminster Cathedral, in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes.’

October 1924: ‘The number of children in the Infant Classes was reduced from 60 to 48.’

3rd May 1926: During the General Strike (3rd to 12th May) the School Log Book records: ‘Registers were closed at 2 pm; the School was dismissed at 4 pm to enable teachers to get home before the evening rush – trains and buses not available because of the strike.’ May 10th: ‘During the strike School opened at 1.30 pm and closed at 4.’

During the 1920s/1930s, the School availed of many opportunities for the older children to go on educational visits. The School Log Book records visits to the Old Vic to see ‘As You Like It,’ ‘The Tempest,’ ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Twelfth Night.’ There was a visit to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre to see ‘As You Like It’ and on several occasions visits to The Dukes Hall, Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road for concerts and musical appreciation. Other visits include Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, Chelsea Palace Theatre and Regent’s Park Zoo. 12th May 1937: ‘120 children went to the Embankment to watch the Coronation Procession of His Majesty, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on its way to Westminster Abbey.’ *St Edward’s School Log Books used in research, archive reference GB1844/9/900/1/2-4 35

July 1937: ‘The School won The Worship Company of Gardeners Silver Cup for the best display of geraniums.’

March 1939: ‘All schools received the Government Scheme for the evacuation of children, in the event of war.’

August 1939: ‘Owing to the World Crisis schools reopened in August 1939.

Each morning children came to school prepared to be evacuated at a moment’s notice.’

1st September 1939: ‘The Registers were taken, prayers said and a blessing given by Father George Lee, before eight Teachers, four Helpers and the Children went on evacuation. They walked through the Convent and along Harewood Avenue to the Great Central Railway Station (now Marylebone Station). The School was evacuated to Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Not all children went on evacuation.’

October 1939: ‘Miss Nancy Lehane returned to London from Beaconsfield to take up duties as visiting Teacher. Her responsibility was to visit children in their homes and give them what instruction was possible under difficult circumstances.’

12 & 14th October 1940: ‘The School suffered from enemy action – windows were blown out and partitions broken down. The Mistress’s Room and the room next to it were wrecked; all stock and furniture were destroyed.’

July 1947: ‘Proposals in the ‘London Plan’ for the removal of St Edward’s School to a new site was carefully considered and the following resolution was proposed and adopted by the Managers: The Managers, having given careful consideration to the proposals contained in the London Plan, Page 53, concerning St Edward’s RC School 0274, do not agree to the removal of the School to a new site. It would be easy to enlarge the present site by purchasing adjoining blitzed land and houses. The Trustees are willing to add a strip of their own property. It is very important that this school should remain where it is. It is in the midst of a very poor district from which the children are chiefly drawn.’

March 1951: ‘The number on roll is very high – 381 children. Many Catholic children are being turned away.’

December 1952: ‘1952 the year of The Great Smog when the air in London was severely polluted, greatly affecting the transport system. Teachers and children were, for the most part, unable to get to school. The smog lasted 5 days.’

36

March 1955: ‘The Architect, Mr Plaskett Marshall, proposed his plans for the new school to the Managers. The plans were looked at, discussed and approved. The Managers advised him to have the plans approved by the London County Council Architect. We may have to incorporate part of our present school into the new building.’

1956: ‘The Clean Air Act passed in Parliament.’ This Act was passed in response to The Great Smog of 1952, when air pollution, ‘pea soup fog’, caused many deaths. The smog was caused by fumes emitted by cars, factories and coal fires. Coal was replaced by smokeless fuel: anthracite.

May 1959: ‘The Managers at their Meeting advised writing to Right Reverend Bishop Craven stating the urgency of additional accommodation in the School.’

September 1960: ‘Mr Plaskett Marshall presented the final plans to the Managers, he assured us that the work would start in May 1962. The Managers understood that the Architect had great difficulty in obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Education and the London County Council. It was with a sense of relief that the Managers received the news that the plans had been passed and that the work would begin.’

Notice was given by the Department of Education that Tyburn School, beside the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, was to close. His Grace Archbishop Heenan approached St Edward’s Community to ask if classrooms could be built for the Junior Children from Tyburn School as part of St Edward’s School. The Tyburn Infants moved to the ‘new’ Tyburn School in Fisherton Street, NW8, the newly built Community Centre for The Church of Our Lady.

December 1962: The new block of three classrooms was proposed. The available ground, the old Roller Skating Rink, was offered by the Convent and the Architect was asked to draw up plans which would be approved by the appropriate authority.

13th May 1964: The New School was formally opened and blessed by His Grace Archbishop John Carmel Heenan. The following distinguished guests were present: His Worship Derek Simon, Mayor of St Marylebone; the Lady Mayor, Mrs Simon; the Right Honourable Quintin Hogg MP; the Chairman of Managers, Monsignor Frederick Row; School Inspectors and many more.

April 1965: The Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) became the Education Authority for the City of London and the twelve Inner London Boroughs.

37

May 1982: The papal Award ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice,’ was presented to Miss Nancy Hanly on her retirement as Deputy Headteacher. Miss Hanly was on two occasions, 1972/73 and 1976/77, temporary Headteacher.

June 1986: St Edward’s School was awarded First Prize for the school garden by the London Children’s Flower Society. The most exciting part of the prize will be a visit from her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. A date for the visit of Her Majesty is to be arranged.

9th July 1986: The visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. As she arrived the children sang her a song of welcome then everyone clapped and cheered. Her Majesty was introduced to all the VIPs from the Borough and the Education Authority, to Father Michael Brockie, Chair of Governors and then to Sister Kathleen Mary Grogan. She had the honour of accompanying Her Majesty as she met all the staff and children and then on a tour of the garden. Her Majesty also met and chatted with the Sisters and parents. Her Majesty was presented with a bouquet of roses by two six year old children. Her Majesty signed a specially prepared book and presented the School with a signed photograph. Her Majesty praised the children’s singing and dancing, especially year 6’s Elizabethan dances, prepared with help from Mrs B Garcin and Miss A Tracy.

38

April 1988: ‘Kevin Gardner, His Worship Lord Mayor of Westminster, visited School with the Lady Mayor, his daughter The Honourable Sarah. He was welcomed by Father Michael Brockie, Chair of Governors. The Children, Teachers, Parents, Friends of the School and the local Police had, over a couple of years swam, took part in sponsored runs, sponsored silences, raffles etc. to raise £12,000 to buy the most up to date Kidney Dialysis Machine for St Peter’s Hospital. One of the Teachers, Sister Margaret Beary, had kidney failure and needed dialysis, at St Peter’s three times a week. Two Staff from St Peter’s Hospital were present to accept the cheque. A kidney dialysis machine from the Hospital was there to be viewed by all present. They expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who was involved in the fundraising.’ Fundraising has, since the 1950s, been important in the life of the School. There are records of fundraising for: The Catholic Rescue Society; Concern Worldwide Burmese Refugees; Send a Cow to Africa (giving livestock to rural families in Uganda); Children’s Cancer Fund; Angola Emergency Appeal; City of London Migraine Clinic; Age Concern; St Peter’s Hospital; The Hospital for Sick Children Great Ormond Street; Harefield Hospital; The Western Ophthalmic Hospital Children’s Ward; St Mary’s Hospital Medical School; The Multiple Sclerosis Society; CAFOD; The Marie Curie Foundation and many more.

39

1st April 1990: The City of Westminster became the Local Education Authority. The funding allocated to St Edward’s was very generous. It enabled the School to make various improvements to the building and make provision for extra projects. With careful planning and the support and advice of the Governors, the School was able to undertake, over a period of time, a building programme. Westminster Education Authority required that, at the end of each Financial Year, the Governors earmarked any surplus money for a named project.

29th January 1991: A six year old pupil passed away in Great Ormond Street Hospital. He was a bright, intelligent little boy who, though very unwell, often in pain, discomfort and frustrated, always managed to smile when he had visits from Teachers and friends. His death, which came suddenly in the end, caused much sorrow among his classmates and the whole school. Part of the school garden was designed and planted in his memory. It was known as ‘Tamer’s garden.’

13th October 1991: The 140th Anniversary of the School. There were several celebrations and school parties, including a presentation of the history of the school from 1851. The research was undertaken and costumes designed by Mrs B Garcin and Miss N Daniels. At 7pm on 17th October, there was a Concelebrated Mass at Westminster Abbey in the Henry VII Chapel, which is also the Chapel of the Order of the Bath. The Henry VII Chapel is just behind St Edward’s Shrine Chapel. The main celebrant at the Mass was Right Reverend Bishop Crowley, Bishop of Central London. Other Concelebrants were Canon Charles McGowan (PP Church of Our Lady’s), Father Des O’Neill (PP Our Lady of the Rosary), Father Michael Brockie (Chair of Governors) and Father Ulick Loring (School Chaplain). There were 100 children present, some of whom led the singing and did the readings, and there were four Mass servers. All teaching staff and support staff, school governors, local Headteachers, members of the Diocesan Education Service and City of Westminster Education Service, parents and Friends of the School were present. The School owes a great debt of gratitude to the staff of the Abbey, to the Receiver General, Rear Admiral Snow, to the Dean Verger and to the Dean who attended the Mass. We had the privilege of having the Abbey Processional Cross to lead the procession to the Altar. After the Mass the celebrations continued back at the School.

On the Feast of St Edward itself, there was a special Mass at the Church of Our Lady, Lisson Grove and a party afterwards for the children and their parents in the Rectory Garden, behind the Church. The School, since the 1980s, has been celebrating the Feast of St Edward King and Confessor with 40

Mass in the shrine Chapel. It was always one of the highlights of the Feast, a memorable occasion for children and staff.

29th October 1991: ‘A 9 year old pupil was admitted to Harefield Hospital awaiting a heart transplant. He had the transplant in the early hours of 2 nd November.’ He made a remarkable recovery and returned to school in January 1992, a month before he was expected to return. He was warmly welcomed back by his classmates and the whole school.

1993: New outdoor toilets were built beside the Nursery. Gothic arches and a little stained glass helped to make the building match the architecture of the Convent. These toilets replaced the toilets which were under a 1st floor classroom.

1994: A new classroom was built in the new space under the 1st floor 41

classroom. This enabled the School to have three Infant classrooms. The classroom was completed in October 1994. The School returned a classroom to the Convent which had once been part of a House of Mercy dormitory.

1995: A mezzanine was built at the west end of the upstairs hall, making extra space for staff to prepare lessons and have easy access to photocopiers.

Kidney Dialysis Machine, 1988

1996: Work began on the new staffroom above the School Keeper’s Office.

This larger room will be a more pleasant and quiet place, away from the noise of children in the playground, to enable teachers and support staff to relax at break times.

January 1997: Our neighbours next door, in Portman Gate, have lodged a complaint that when the staffroom is built their privacy will be compromised. They have requested that bathroom glass be put in the six windows facing Portman Gate. The Architect suggested that perhaps stained glass would be acceptable. Year 6 children were invited to design the windows. Amelia Garcia’s designs were chosen as the most suitable. When they were installed we had letters of approval and congratulations from the two families in Portman Gate.

25th April 1997: We moved into the spacious new staffroom complete with 42

dishwasher, microwave and other amenities as well as new easy chairs for staff to relax. We had a staff party after school to celebrate!

September 1998: Mrs Maureen Donnelly, recently appointed, took up her post as Headteacher.

Education is an act of love, it is like giving life Pope Francis

43

Saint Edward’s House of Mercy The Sisters in 1849, while still living in Queen Square, wrote a letter of appeal which began: *‘We humbly and earnestly address ourselves to all who seek the glory of God and the welfare of His poor, in full confidence that when they have given their kind attention to the following statement, they will cordially and generously assist us. We look forward with joyful hope to the prospect of soon having an establishment as will enable us efficiently to fulfil those works of Mercy which are specified in our Holy Rule as particularly characteristic of this Institute – the Instruction of Poor Children – the Visitation of the Sick – and the Protection of Distressed Women of good character (chiefly servants out of place) in a House of Mercy. How much such an institution as this last mentioned is needed in London, we, who are daily witness of every form of suffering know too well. Our experience among the poor, too often painfully reminds us that had we such a home to offer, many an innocent soul might be saved from destitution, and its too frequent consequences – a life of sin’.

(From Appendix 1).

Mr Charles Joseph Pagliano’s generous gift of £3,200 to build a House of Mercy was given to the Sisters in October 1851. The contract for the building, designed for fifty young women, was signed in August 1852 and was completed in January 1854. The Community, through lack of funds, were unable to furnish the whole building before it opened on 23rd January 1854.

About twenty-five young women were admitted. It probably took a few years before it was fully occupied. The House of Mercy was blessed and put under the patronage of Saint Joseph. The dining room was named Saint Joseph’s Hall and continued to be called by that name when the House of Mercy became the Novitiate.

The first Sister who had responsibility for the House of Mercy was Sister Mary Catherine MacDaniel, one of the Founding Sisters. She, with other Sisters from the Community, was fully engaged in training the young ladies for service in the rich houses of the immediate neighbourhood, across the country and abroad. There is no record of Log Books being kept; information comes from Registers of Admission, Re-admission and work placements. The first Register was probably lost or destroyed, the first Register available comes from the 1860s. The young girls admitted were generally between the ages of 12 to 15 and some a little older. They came not only from the neighbourhood but from all parts of the United Kingdom, Ireland and some from France and Belgium. Many of the girls had Irish surnames, probably children from the families that left Ireland during the Famine years. Each of these young ladies needed a recommendation to enter the House of Mercy. These recommendations were often from a Priest, a Convent (for example the 44

Saint Edward’s House of Mercy

Charles Pagliano and Mary Floris – Pictures printed with permission of Edward Bodenham (9th generation of the Floris Family)

The Sisters in 1849, while still living in Queen Square, wrote a letter of appeal which began: ‘We humbly and earnestly address ourselves to all who seek the glory of God and the welfare of His poor, in full confidence that when they have given their kind attention to the following statement, they will cordially and generously assist us. We look forward with joyful hope to the prospect of soon having an establishment as will enable us efficiently to fulfil those works of Mercy which are specified in our Holy Rule as particularly characteristic of this Institute – the Instruction of Poor Children – the Visitation of the Sick – and the Protection of Distressed Women of good character (chiefly servants out of place) in a House of Mercy. How much such an institution as this last mentioned is needed in London, we, who are daily witness of every form of suffering know too well. Our experience among the poor, too often painfully reminds us that had we such a home to offer, many an innocent soul might be saved from destitution, and its too frequent consequences.’ (From Appendix 2) Mr Charles Joseph Pagliano’s generous gift of £3,200 to build a House of Mercy was given to the Sisters in October 1851. The contract for the building, designed for fifty young women, was signed in August 1852 and was completed in January 1854. The Community, through lack of funds, were unable to furnish the whole building before it opened on 23rd January 45

1854. About twenty-five young women were admitted. It probably took a few years before it was fully occupied. The House of Mercy was blessed and put under the patronage of Saint Joseph. The dining room was named Saint Joseph’s Hall and continued to be called by that name when the House of Mercy became the Novitiate.

The first Sister who had responsibility for the House of Mercy was Sister Mary Catherine MacDaniel, one of the Founding Sisters. She, with other Sisters from the Community, was fully engaged in training the young ladies for service in the rich houses of the immediate neighbourhood, across the country and abroad. There is no record of Log Books being kept; information comes from Registers of Admission, Re-admission* and work placements.

The first Register available comes from the 1860s. The young girls admitted were generally between the ages of 12 to 15 and some a little older. They came not only from the neighbourhood but from all parts of the United Kingdom, Ireland and some from France and Belgium. Many of the girls had Irish surnames, probably children from the families that left Ireland during the Famine years. Each of these young ladies needed a recommendation to enter the House of Mercy. These recommendations were often from a Priest, a Convent for example: the Convents of Mercy Bermondsey, Chelsea, Abingdon, Hunters Road, Handsworth, the Sisters of Charity, Carlisle Place, London and the Presentation Convent, Stradbally, Queen’s County (now Co Laois). The word ‘known’ was often written in the column ‘Recommended by’, showing that the young girls had been pupils at St Edward’s School or were known to the Sisters visiting the sick and the poor. Girls also came from Saint Marylebone Workhouse and Saint Pancras Workhouse. The records show that some girls went home because of poor health, were unsettled or were dismissed and that some were hospitalised at St Elizabeth’s Hospital**, Great Ormond Street (a small Catholic Hospital with twenty beds) or at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington (founded in the late 1840s with forty beds, for the benefit of the sick poor).

Life in the House of Mercy would have been very different from life in overcrowded, unhealthy living conditions in slum areas. Having a more spacious place to live, regular meal times, comfortable beds and encouragement and support would have helped them to settle into a new way of life. The skills the Sisters taught them: cooking, cleaning, laundry work, needlework, dressmaking, nursing, preparing to be a Governess, a Pupil Teacher, a trained Teacher would have boosted their confidence and helped *House of Mercy Admission/Re-admission Registers used in research: Archives References GB1844/9/2000/8/9/13 ** St Elizabeth’s Hospital moved to St John’s Wood in the 1890s and renamed Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth

46

them believe in their ability to succeed. The following photo of young girls trained as Laundry Maids shows them wearing the type of ‘uniform’ required for working in the rich and stately homes. What must have been their awe and surprise when they experienced the lavish way of life of the middle class and the aristocracy!

The Sisters made all the arrangements for the young girls who went into service, and kept a record of each placement. The Registers show that many went to work locally, into the grand houses of: Blandford Square, Harewood Square, Dorset Square, Cavendish Square, Park Lane and Mayfair. Others went to Castles/Stately Homes: Arundel Castle, Lulworth Castle (Wareham, Dorset), Beauford Castle (Inverness), Lady Stourton (Yorkshire), Lady Alexandra Lennox (Slough), Vicountess Castleross (Killarney), Baronne Crombruggre (Ghent). Other placements were: Bishop’s House (Clifton, Bristol), Jesuit Fathers Manresa House (Roehampton), St Catherine’s Dominican Convent (Bow), The Royal Military Hospital (Chelsea) and the Seminary in Hammersmith.

Yearly salaries varied: £6 to £14 for a Scullery Maid/Housemaid/Parlour

Maid/Lady’s Maid; £18 to £24 for more skilled jobs: Laundry Maid/ 47

Cook/Nurse/Governess/Dressmaker.

A number, many in their twenties and thirties, returned to the House of Mercy to retrain for better jobs: Housemaids, Housekeepers, Parlour Maids learned new skills as Nurses, Cooks, Nursery Governesses and Dressmakers.

They obviously had the ambition and ability to retrain and earn a higher salary. There’s also a record of Mary Grant, who was in service as a Nurse, returning in 1886. She spent a little time in the House of Mercy before she joined the Convent of the Visitation, Westbury-on-Trym as a Postulant.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the House of Mercy was celebrated on 30th April 1904. A copy of the Programme *GB1844/9/200/9/3 is kept in the Archives.

The Sisters wrote: ‘the actual day, 25th January, was celebrated in a quiet

23rd January 1904

way by the Sisters and girls. The real Jubilee celebrations were postponed to brighter days, and was fixed for 30th of April, feast of St Catherine of Siena.

The Feast this year fell on a Saturday, the most convenient day for the Laundry. For many days or even weeks previously, the Sisters and the girls had been busy preparing for the entertainment of their guests.’ ‘ About 2.30 the dear girls of former days began to arrive for the Sermon and Benediction at 3 o’clock. Chairs were placed in the middle of the Choir, between the Sisters’ stalls, as bench room was quite insufficient for the accommodation of the visitors. The Reverend Edward Smith preached a short, but practical Sermon, most appropriate to the occasion. At 5 o’clock tea in the Laundry, many were present who had not met for years and, needless to say, they were pleased to see each other and the Sisters. The Sisters were delighted to have them together once more. At 6.30 there was an Entertainment in the School, given entirely by the girls and their friends.’

48

49

‘After this the Band of the League of the Cross, who had kindly volunteered their services, struck up a lively tune, all who had a taste for dancing, danced with energy till supper time. With regret they ceased and dropped in to supper by degrees. It was nearly eleven before all the visitors had departed, and on leaving each was presented with a little card in remembrance of the event. Several who came from a distance, remained for the night.’

There are many references, in Saint Edward’s Annals, of the House of Mercy girls presenting gifts of plain and fancy needlework to the Mother Superior and the Community. This was usually on the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy and the Feast of the Superior. There are records of the Sisters arranging tea parties and dances for the girls; at Christmas, Easter, on the Feast of Saint Edward and other special occasions.

Changes in society, in education, in the ‘career’ expectations of women, the huge decline in domestic service, changes brought about by the two world wars and the introduction of the Welfare State in 1948 meant that by the time 50

the House of Mercy closed in 1949, it had really fulfilled its original purpose.

During WW1 and WW2, the conscription of men to fight in the war created a need for women to take on the work normally done by men. Many new jobs were created in newly built munitions factories. Other work open to women were, for example, firefighters, postal workers, bus and train drivers, mechanics, police, bank teller, the Women’s Land Army (WLA) and the Auxiliary Territorial Army (ATS: the Women’s branch of the British Army).

Women working in the munitions factories were often referred to as ‘canaries’ due to the fact that the chemical material used in the explosives caused skin to turn yellow. The munitions factory built in 1939, behind the houses in Harewood Avenue, was demolished in the 1980s.

The school leaving age was raised to 15 after WW2. Children had more opportunity to learn new skills, for example secretarial work or to train as Nurses or Teachers at third level colleges. Although economic and social deprivation were no doubt still issues, there have been many educational advances and a change in expectations for women. The Sisters of Mercy at Saint Edward’s would now use other avenues to help the cause of women and children post 1949.*

51

A Corner for Charity It is with great pleasure we give insertion to the following address, and we earnestly hope that our readers will exert themselves zealously

To the Catholic Public In the name of the thousands of the poor who crowd our parishes, we most humbly but earnestly entreat your kind consideration of the following statement:1st: The difficulty of giving sufficient instruction and consolation to the sick and dying.

2 nd : The condition of our charitable institutions for the instruction of the children of the Poor. We feel from experience that education, given by religious teachers, is not only admirable in its system, but exercises the most marked and salutary influence over the subsequent conduct of youth.

3 rd : The impracticability of imparting adequate religious instruction to adults, servants and other Catholics, who, destitute of religious knowledge, can give but desultory attendance to our instructions, and particularly to grown up young women, who cannot attend schools, but whose salvation is fearfully periled amidst the contagion of this metropolis.

To meet these difficulties we have, with the divine blessing, and with the sanction of our Bishop, taken a step which we hope will meet with your charitable approval and sympathy.

We have secured the co-operation of some young ladies, who are now entering on the duties of their novitiate in the Mother House of the Order of the Sisters of Mercy, Baggot Street, Dublin, and who after their Religious Profession, will return to found a house of their Order in London, to operate principally in the districts of Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Warwick Street.

May the God of the poor and the fatherless induce you to co-operate with us in this arduous but most useful undertaking. The path of the Sister of Mercy is to the homes of the destressed, the sinful, the sick, the dying. She is the wisest and most thrifty dispenser of charity. She is truly the mother of 52

the children she instructs, and the erring child, in after life, ever returns to her in the hour of distress or penitence, the best friend which this world presents to the victim of misery or crime.

We most conscientiously believe that charity can give no greater blessing to the poor than the institution of such an establishment; and we again most humbly and respectfully solicit your charitable co-operation, promising you the prayers of the future community, and such blessing as out own humility can invoke in offering the Holy Sacrifice.

We are your faithful servants in Christ, Wm. Wilds J. Maguire, DD A.M. Baldacconi, LL.D

J Harrington E. Hearn W. J. O’Connor

J.A. Hearn Wm. Kyan

Donations gratefully received by the Right Rev. Doctor Griffiths, 35 Golden Square, the Rev Chaplains, and at the London Joint Stock Bank, 69 Pall Mall.

53

Appendix 2 Appeal on Behalf of St Edward’s Convent of Mercy and Poor Schools, Blandford Square, London St Edward’s Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, 32 Queen Square, Bloomsbury We humbly and earnestly address ourselves to all who seek the glory of God and the welfare of His poor, in the full confidence that when they have given their kind attention to the following statement, they will cordially and generously assist us in forwarding this object, in favour of which we feel inspired to make this urgent appeal.

We have hitherto been wholly deprived of the means of carrying out two of the essential objects of this Holy Institute, viz., The Instruction of Poor Female Children and the Protection of Distressed Women of good character, the limited size of our present abode rendering such duties impracticable. The lease of this house, held for seven years, expires in March 1851, and we look forward with joyful hope to the prospect of soon having an Establishment as will enable us efficiently to fulfil those works of Mercy which are specified in our Holy Rule as peculiarly characteristic of this Institute – the Instruction of Poor Children – the Visitation of the Sick – and the Protection of Distressed Women of good character (chiefly servants out of place) in a House of Mercy. How much such an institution as this last mentioned is needed in London, we, who are daily witnesses of every form of suffering know too well. Our experience among the poor, too often painfully reminds us that had we such a home to offer, many an innocent soul might be saved from destitution, and its too frequent consequences - a life of sin.

An extensive and eligible site in Blandford Square was engaged last year for the erection of a large and appropriate building, the general design of which comprises a Convent for Fifty Religious – a house of Mercy for Fifty Poor Women of good character – Schools for the gratuitous Education of 1000 Poor Female Children – and a Church for the accommodation of all the Members of the Establishment. The ground has been enclosed by a wall but the funds at our command are insufficient to meet the expense of erecting even so much of the Convent as would be necessary for the present Community.

It is, therefore, to entreat assistance towards realizing the great object of our most ardent desire, the temporal and eternal happiness of the poor, that we thus intrude ourselves on public notice, and in the name of the Poor of Christ, beseech all who love Him to co-operate with us towards its attainment, and may He, who has promised that even a cup of cold water given in His name shall not lose its reward, repay a hundred fold each, even the smallest contribution offered!

54

Our beloved and reverend Archbishop has graciously sanctioned and approved our intention of removing to Blandford Square, in the subjoined letter:Letter from Archbishop Nicholas Wiseman (later Cardinal) to St Edward’s Community, Queen Square Golden Square December 15th 1849 My dear Daughters in Christ I have heard with sincere satisfaction that the plan for the removing of the Convent of Mercy from Queen Square to Blandford Square is at length likely to be undertaken. By such a change your community will be placed in the immediate neighbourhood of a large body of poor, in whose behalf their duties of charity can be efficiently discharged. Schools on a large and sufficient scale will be immediately under their care and the Convent itself, placed in one of the most beautiful and open sites that London affords, will present that form and contain those arrangements which are characteristic of, and conducive to, the religious life and spirit. I, therefore, feel confident, that the proposed change will be most beneficial to the poor, and promote the best interests of the community. I have consequently no hesitation in warmly recommending your undertaking to the pious charity of the faithful. You have made your calculations prudently; you have resources available to a sufficient amount to render an appeal to charity for a proportionately small amount most justifiable. You have rightly determined first to make every sacrifice yourselves and every effort before you seek aid from others. This will give you a new claim upon their sympathy, and I trust, procure you effectual aid. In the meantime you will not fail to recommend this great work to God and implore his blessing on the undertaking. The poor will join you, the children of the poor will raise their hands with you in prayer; for it is to their advantage more than your own that you have in view. Wishing you therefore, all success in this good work and recommending myself to the prayers of the Community.

I am, ever yours very sincerely in Christ, Nicholas Wiseman To the Mother Superior of the Convent of Mercy, Queen Square

55

Father John Ambrose Hearn died 16th December 1846, R.I.P. He is buried in the Crypt of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penzance, Cornwall.

Printed with the permission of Reverend Canon Philip Dyson, Parish Priest.

56

The Very Reverend Edward Hearn DD, died 22nd January 1886, R.I.P. He is buried in the cemetery of the Holy Cross, Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Printed with the permission of Rev Monsignor Nicholas O’Mahony, Parish Priest.

Photo taken by Arthur Allen Moore III. 57

The Chapel, 1948

58

59

60