Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1808 - 1916 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 box
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The York Penitentiary Society was formed in 1822. In 1844, the late Dr Beckwith bequest his property at Bishophill to the York Penitentiary Society, and this was used to form the York Penitentiary Institution in 1845.
A motion was carried at the 1918 annual meeting that the name "Penitentiary Society" was unsuitable for the work of the Society, and "House of Mercy" was deemed more appropriate. In 1918, the Bishophill premises were sold due to their delapidated condition and new premises at Clifton Holme were purchased. These premises later became known as York Training Home for Girls, which was an approved school that operated by rules set out by the Secretary of State.
The Home Office responsibility for Clifton Holme ended on 31st August 1950. Clifton Holme was sold to the Corporation in 1953, and the profits from the sale were used to form the Clifton Holme Trust, the money from which was distributed to various charities.
Repository
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Various annual reports and circulars from nationwide institutions that were similar to the York Penitentiary Society. Includes more detailed documents such as meeting minutes from the York Society for the Prevention and Discouragement of Vice and Profaneness, and the York Society for the Prevention of Youthful Depravity. It appears that these reports etc were sent in answer to a circular letter from the York Penitentiary Society requesting information in connection with a demand from the York Ladies Committee to have equal representation with the gentlemen on the Executive Committee (on which they were originally not entitled to sit).
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open
Material is available subject to the usual terms and conditions of access to Archives and Local History collections.
Conditions governing reproduction
Images are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.
Language of material
- English