St Faith's, Warwick Road

Welcome back Lyngood! Don't leave it so long next time

Oh my love, I feel for you, as a single teenage mother in the 70's I was threatened so many times with 'St Faiths' having no idea what it actually was, just that it was the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone, luckily(ish?) I was allowed to stay at home with my baby, although we really weren't made to feel that welcome, but we made our own way in the world and this world is all the better for having him in it!

These photos are great. I know they were posted a few years ago. I spent a few weeks in St Faiths after being born in 1954. My adopting mother told me later that Miss Paton was a lovely person. Years later l saw the notes she had made about me and that really helped me on the trail of finding out about my roots.

Would anybody know any other names of people that worked at St Faiths in the 60's other than Miss Paton. I see a lovely photograph of staff on their coffee break ... any names? Was there anyone that organised the adoptions? How were the babies "advertised" as such that they were available for adoption? Were records kept of the mothers that stayed there? Just after a bit of hope for my research Thank you kindly

Hi marmite0203, welcome to the forum There are mentions of St Faith's in the papers eg Coventry Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 14 November 1956 St. Faith's WE are again making our annual appeal to people of goodwill in Coventry to show their support of a local movement unique in character which provides an essential service of help and mercy to women and girls in trouble and need. St. Faith's Shelter gives an immediate and first-aid service which cuts out the perplexities and delays of any State system. We open the doors of a home and make welcome friendless and unfortunate ones sent along by churches, philanthropic institutions, welfare officers, police and local authorities themselves. Because of consistent public support we have never failed to open those doors, but we have no State or public endowment no guaranteed income. This is an entirely voluntary movement, supported by the generous of all classes, creeds and convictions. The need for the service which St. Faith's provides grows with Coventry's development. Because of this we are making our appeal next Friday for funds and gifts in kind. That day the Shelter (Dudley Lodge, opposite the Grammar School), will be open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to all interested visitors. Please will they come with gifts, however small (or large), in cash or kind garments, materials, foods. We want people to see the Shelter and hear about our work but if no visit can be made, then a contribution of cash posted to the Treasurer, St. Faith's, Warwick Road, will be gladly acknowledged. J. C. LEE GORDON, St. Faith's Shelter, 143. Warwick Road, Coventry. I believe that you can access the search for the newspapers for free here but you'd need a login to view the articles. There may be places that can provide free access (eg a library?) or a month's access costs about £15. I don't get the impression that access to St Faith's actual records is easy.

Thank you Helen

Hi Marmite0203 and Welcome to the Forum! I think in terms of names of the staff your best bet is the papers archived at the Herbert Family History Centre. coventrycollections.org. Normally I'd go and see myself but it's somewhat more difficult to get into the reading room than it was (you now must book an appointment, etc. and be supervised). But if I do go I will try and to remember to have a look at the St. Faith's annual report bundles which may contain some info. Hope you find what you're looking for

Hi, I'm looking for a Susan Mary Wood of Coventry. My Mother Sharon Wood was adopted from St Faiths in 1964. Born at Gulson Road hospital, Coventry. I've recently had my DNA tested via Ancestry but had no luck finding her. Any help greatly appreciated. David

Hi David, Welcome to the forum, Sorry, just wanted to clarify, I'm a little confused what is the relationship between Susan Mary Wood, Your Mother Sharon Wood and yourself? And is there any other info you could provide, especially dates. I hope you find what your searching for

Hi David, Welcome to the forum I do know that there were about 80 households in 1953 headed by someone called Wood, ranging from a caravan in Little Park Street to an upmarket property on Meadway. I hope that someone can help you.

Hi Garlands, My Mother Sharon Wood was adopted from St Faiths in 1964, born at Gulson Road hospital, Coventry. We'd like to find her birth parents/ancestry. All we know is her mother's name was Susan Mary Wood of Coventry, 17 Uxbridge Avenue. Thanks David

Hi Helen, That's amazing info, I don't suppose you have any Susan Mary Woods that lived at 17 Uxbridge Avenue, Coventry? Thanks David

There's a George Mutton living there in 1953, 1955 and 1960 and I haven't got any directories later than that. Sorry.

That's very interesting, I'll try find him. Thanks for your help!

In 1953 there's an S Wood at 2 Stepping Stones Rd but it's changed to H L Wood by 1960. S Wood at 20 Co-operative street both dates. The rest are Sidneys, Sydneys and a Steven. The Herbert Art Gallery History Archive might have some later directories and maybe more about babies and mothers at St Faith's. It's probable she was a young adult/teen and before 1964 might have been living at her parents' home. The house isn't very big, so it wasn't a big HMO if she was renting.