Did the great Caroline Chisholm send her three boys to Sedgley Park? It seems likely. Any help with dates etc. much appreciated. Here is what is known from Carole.

"I am doing research on Caroline Chisholm, nee Jones, born Northampton 1808 (died 1877 in London and is buried in N'pton).   She was a very well known woman in the mid-19th century, as well known as Florence Nightingale, but, regrettably, British historians have neglected her and her work.    She is better known in Australiawhere much of her work was undertaken helping poor emigrants.

I have a copy of a letter Caroline wrote, I believe to Bishop Ullathorne,on Good Friday from 23 Lannon Street.   Although the letter is notdated, I can track down its date from the contents.  I believe the letter to be written in 1852, with a slim chance that it could be 1851, but probably no later than that.   As Caroline returned from Aus arrivingin Eng in 1846 and went back to Aus in August 1854 this is the largesttime zone I am looking at.

In the letter written on Good Friday, Caroline indicates that she was having difficulty with the charges of Sedgley.   I believe that probably Archibald Chisholm, born India, May 1836, William Chisholm, born Madras 6.9.1837 and, possibly, Henry John, born Sydney, 30.7.1839 could havebeen at the school and Caroline Chisholm withdrew them because of the financial difficulties.  (Caroline and Archibald Chisholm sen were in India where Archibald served with the East India Company Army).

I have looked thro your web site with list of pupils, but no Chisholm appears.   I just wondered whether you have any other sources of pupil lists which might indicate how long the Chisholm boys were at the college.  The 1851 Census taken in Islington where Caroline  lived does not mention the elder boys names. 

I believe William went from the School to the Propaganda College in Rome where he studied to be a priest.   Caroline, however, had to bring him home from Rome in 1854 as Wm could not continue  at the College because of his ill health.  Henry seems to gone to Ireland, but where too I do not know.   Archibald may well have gone home to his mother in Islington.

Any information, or where I can obtain information from, would be much appreciated.

I have looked on the A2A site, but with no success.   Caroline Chisholm does appear, but not her sons or her husband."

I am doing some research on a medal from Sedgley Park.  It appears to be an award medal of 43mm, a bronzed proof and engraved by WYON.  Looking at the dates of the school it is obvious that it was issued prior to 1873 when the school closes. The Wyons were a famous family of engravers for both coins and medals at the Royal Mint.

My question is do you know which Wyon engraved the piece and what the award was for.  I suppose I should ask if there is a collector or interested party who could give me some information on it.  I would normally attach a photo of the medal but I’m not sure how AOL will edit the incoming mail for attachments.  I would we delighted to send a quality image of the medal if this would help and it would get through AOL’s filters. 

Thanks so much, I was quite happy when the Google search sent me to the site.  As a Catholic, I’m always interested in the history of the Church and it’s survival in England especially during the time period the school was in operation.  If you check my web site, Cheapside Tokens it will give you a little more insight into my interests and what we sell.

 Chears,

 Larry

Larry Gaye

Mike Boyd who runs the City of Dunedin memorial website asks: Would you have any contacts with living relatives or know of any pictures of this fellow?
 
If so email him at: cityofd@hotmail.com

From James Plunkett who wrote to the Cottonian in the edition of Midsummer 1912.

"The other old Parker I wish to refer to now is the Rev. Father Driscoll. He was sacristan at the Park when first I knew him, and I remember his putting on me a cassock and surplice when I was to take part in the procession on the feast of the Purification. He left in 1841, I think early in the year, and went to Old Hall, where he was ordained. It was not till 86 that I again saw him. On the feast of the Epiphany, in that year, I met him at St. Francis' Presbytery, Melbourne. We had much to say to each other and on the following day he visited me at my house. He was about to leave Australia for New Zealand. In conversation with me he remarked on the fact that I had been, a few years previously, to England and back to Melbourne, and asked me if I had not felt nervous on the voyage. I told him I had not. He said that he was always extremely nervous when at sea. What he said then was greatly impressed upon my mind when, some little time later, I learned that the City of Dunedin, the steamer in which he was travelling round the west coast of the South Island,had been wrecked and all on board had perished.