University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

Scope and Contents

"This woman is a bad lot, immoral, just a bitch. Husband has had an awful time with her - on one occasion he threw a teapot at her. She had an affair with their lodger, husband had to sleep in the shed. Just a randy."

Scope and Contents

"Simple and immoral, attractive but had no brains. Much younger than her husband. One child a piccaninny."

Husband: 6.21, son: 6.22

Scope and Contents "This woman is soft and very dirty, throughither and feckless, an awful wife. House filthy, smells of dirty clothes. They have moved about a lot. Husband a farm labourer. She has 6 or 7 children, all terribly dirty - she is always getting into trouble as they are so dirty at school. Has been reported to the RSSPCC for neglect of children - they are filthy and never have sufficient clothes - she sells the coupons. She steals money and coals from her next door neighbour who is deaf, is...

Scope and Contents

"This woman is a notorious character, drinks, frequent disturber of the peace, has been several times in prison. PC thinks she is weakminded. Husband is dead, she has three children by him. Is at present living with a tramp - they live by their wits, are thought to be shawing neeps at present."

Scope and Contents "This is a boarded out girl, has caused her foster mother a lot of anxiety. Has been badly brought up by her foster mother. PC says she is as mad as a March hare - she cannot stick at a job. Worked in a grocer's shop, then a baker's, was a nurse for one day but couldn't stand it. Outspoken and wild. Dr says that what this girl needs is a good spanking - she is self-willed, spoilt, result of bad environment, otherwise Ok. [Male informant] says this girl is flighty and...

Scope and Contents

"This woman is dirty, thoughtless, keen on dancing and a good time, a "lazy trollop", face devoid of character, receding chin, neglects her children. Feckless. Husband a shepherd, not a good shepherd, not very bright "A sumph"."

Relatives in survey: 12.27, 12.24, 12.25

Scope and Contents

"Immoral, does not look mental. Indoor relief offered and refused. Several legitimate children - procreation her hobby."

Husband 18.83

Scope and Contents "This girl is described by the teacher as definitely simple. She steals and thieves, has a funny eye and is very dirty. Goes about with a sack over her shoulders. She thinks she can sing. Her parents are tinkers and go about in a caravan all summer, living in a cottage in the winter. Father a horse dealer and dealer in old clothes. Mother, aged about 40, brazen type, looks like a Gypsy. Deals in old clothes, always having babies, personally dirty. The family are at present living in a...

Scope and Contents

"Definitely off, illiterate, poor type. [Male informant] She is the cause of the all the trouble, a big blousy bitch, smoking all the time. Never feeds her children properly. Queer and illiterate."

Husband: 21.79 children: 21.76, 21.77, 21.80

Scope and Contents

"This woman is very dull, ugly, oversexed, inclined to prostitution, bad-tempered. Nurse confirms - she makes up terrifically and chases off to Dumfries after men."