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04-03-2021
Column: Relationships - LOOKING BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN SEE
Column: Relationships - LOOKING BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN SEE
Her mother died of TB when Annie was eight which left her in the care of her alcoholic father. Two years later she and her younger brother Jimmy were abandoned by their dad and were sent to Tewksbury Almshouse for the “pauper insane”. The institution was infamous for its cruelty and perverse practices. Jimmy died four months later.
Annie’s behaviour was uncontrollable and she was locked in a basement cage. She would throw food at staff, spit and bite them. She was considered beyond help. It was a young maid about Annie’s age who felt compassion for her. Wanting to befriend her, she baked biscuits and cautiously brought them to Annie. She would chat to Annie and gradually they became friends. Staff noticed and asked the maid if she could help calm Annie while they examined her. It was at this time that Annie’s blindness was discovered.
Annie’s life improved somewhat after this encounter though she continued living in extremely harsh conditions. She was determined to escape Tewksbury. She knew of a school for

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