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What was it like in the asylumWhat treatments?Were there any children there?Quiz

Were There Any Children There?

Edith Annie Craven

Find out about a 5 year-old girl called Edith Annie Craven by reading the fact file and looking at original casenotes & photograph!

You can also print the sources and try the worksheets.

What do you think?

  • Why do you think Edith was admitted to the asylum?
  • Do you think her stay in the asylum helped her in any way?
  • What would happen to Edith today?
  • Would she be separated from her parents?

Printable worksheets and source material:

Edith's Diary:
worksheet | source material

Edith's Character:
worksheet | source material

Edith's Photograph:
worksheet | source material

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  1. Life in the Asylum would have been pretty grim for children – there were few toys and a strict routine.
  2. No complaining about having to go to bed at eight o’clock and getting up at six in the morning!
  3. Edith was just 5 years old when she was admitted.
  4. Her parents left her in the asylum but came back for her after 5 days.
  5. Edith was epileptic and would have had seizures.
  6. Victorian children were expected to behave like miniature grown-ups and be quiet and still.
  7. No wonder they found Edith a handful!
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