Pauline, Most of the children at Ashford would have been chargeable to one of the Westminster or west London poor law unions, such as St George's, Paddington, Fulham etc. Unless Samuel Denton RUSSELL's place of settlement was in that area, a child of his is unlikely to have been sent to Ashford (though it is still possible). If Samuel's place of settlement was Bermondsey, his children would more probably have been at the South Metropolitan school in Sutton. In 1881 there is an Alfred RUSSELL, aged 8, boarding with a HOARE(?) family in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire (RG11/ 1462 folio 60 page 16). This Alfred is recorded as born in London. Not very helpful, but just another possibility. HTH Judy London, UK -----Original Message----- From: middlesex_county_uk-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:middlesex_county_uk-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Pauline Taylor Sent: 14 May 2014 22:32 To: middlesex_county_uk@rootsweb.com Subject: [MDX] West London District School Following on from Judy's response to Connie's query does anyone know why my grandfather Alfred RUSSELL, born in Fosters Buildings, Whitecross Street in January 1874, would have been an inmate in the West London District School in 1881 when there is an Alfred RUSSELL aged 7 listed as an inmate at the school. This Alfred is the right age but his place of birth is recorded as unknown. There is no other Alfred RUSSELL in 1881 who could be him that I have found. My great grandfather, Samuel Denton RUSSELL was a widower in 1881, and he was living at 196 Whitecross Street with his eldest son, Arthur RUSSELL aged 16. There were two other children not living with him, a daughter, Jane RUSSELL, aged 14, who was I think in domestic service, and another son Samuel RUSSELL, aged 12, who is missing completely. It all seems very strange to me as my great grandfather was in employment as a butcher in 1881 so there was no workhouse connection to explain why my grandfather had been sent away to the residential school. By 1891 the family were together again. If anyone can help I would really appreciate it. Many thanks, Pauline Taylor. In Colchester Britain's First City.