Ilkley, The Semon Convalescent Home 1900

Photo ref: 45152

Its not really a memory, I need help. I'm researching my family tree but my mum, Maureen Elizabeth Yates born 2nd June 1942 was adopted. I know she was born in Ilkley to a Kathleen M Yates and was adopted by Sidney Smith and Mary Jane? Smith (known as Janey). As far as I know Kathleen died just after my mum was born and my mum's real father was a secret! But I do believe he came from Guisley?

I too, was born at the Semon Home (although the family lived in Bradford), and the reason was, so far as I know, that the authorities wanted to keep St Luke's Hospital free for forces and other casualties. Until now, I thought the building still existed, but given the other comments here, I am going to check physically at the first opportunity.

My mother was evacuated from London to Ilkley when the first V. bombs dropped. She was expecting me and I was born on 22nd October 1944 in Semon Convalescent Home which was turned into an emergency maternity home. We had been evacuated to Yorkshire as we had a cousin who lived in Ilkley. My mother was from Northumberland but lived in London. I went back to find the place in about 1992 ...see more

I was also born at the Semon Convalescent Home in 1943, my mother was booked into St Lukes for my birth but was sent here instead, I often wondered what the home was like. I have visited Ilkley many times and never did find the home, now I know why.