Frances Coleman Infirmary Records

[Gary Barnett]

I’ve just received a copy of Carroty Nell by John E. Keefe as an early Christmas present. Although I’m vaguely familiar with the details of her killing, I know nothing about Coles’ life, so I immediately skipped to chapter 10 which contains an outline biography.

One thing that intrigues me is the age difference between the accepted 1859 birth, the 1881 census age of 17 (1864) and the press reports claiming ‘Coleman’ was around 25 (1866) at the time of her death.

So far I’ve seen no reference to the Whitechapel Infirmary records for a Frances Coleman whose year of birth was 1866, but the details are such a close match that it’s probably her:

Admittance: 12th January, 1887
Age: 21
Admitted From: 18, Thrawl Street
Married or Single: Single
Calling: Prostitute
Cause of Admission: Contused shoulder
Religion: Ch of E
Admitted By: McDonald
Time Admitted: 4.50 pm
Ward: E2
Settlement: 2 years
Discharged: 21.1.87

21st March, 1888
22
18, Thrawl Street
Single
Prostitute
Injury to face
Ch of E
McDonald
4.45 pm
C2
3 years
31.3.1888

Have these records already been discussed?

Although she presented herself as Coleman, the coincidence of Coles (if it is her) and Caroline Coals both sustaining facial injuries in 1888, and the 1893 reference to a Ship Alley prostitute named Carroty Nell has piqued my curiosity.

[Howard Brown]

Gary

Nice work...thanks for setting the thread up.

You'll note that the entry date and release on the second entry are the same. Is that correct ?

I don't remember if her records have been mentioned until now.

[Gary Barnett]

Gary

Nice work...thanks for setting the thread up.

You'll note that the entry date and release on the second entry are the same. Is that correct ?

I don't remember if her records have been mentioned until now.

My mistake, How. I’ve amended it.👍🏻

[Gary Barnett]

Back in 1882, described as a destitute 18-year-old packer, Frances Coles had spent four days in the MEOT workhouse. The approx 5 year reduction in her age originated at least as early as the 1881 census, on which she was recorded as 17, was repeated in 1882, 1887 and 1888, and was perpetuated by her father after her death.

How odd.