Thatcham Historical Society

The Speedwell Convalescence Home was less than 3 miles to the north of Thatcham, ( The house still stands on the Malston Rd, to the east of Hermitage, near WellHouse) In the early 1900's the Convalescent Home are taking in ladies 18 - 30 from nearby Reading, I am only getting a snippet of information from the census. The patients seem to be from the factories of Reading (Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory ?). I have checked for the obvious and do not believe they are in the family way as I cannot find any births recorded. They could be suffering from an health problem picked up in the Factory or a general illness of the time. Their time at the convalescent home seems to me to be be paid for by their employer. Any help or guidance of where to look for information, gratefully received. David Hammond