Who ran the mother and baby home in Tuam?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Tuam Mother and Baby Home Was Operated by the Bon Secours Nuns

The mother and baby home located in Tuam, Ireland, was managed by the Bon Secours nuns. This institution operated between the years 1925 and 1961. The land associated with this home remained largely undisturbed after the building was demolished in 1972, until recent investigations into significant quantities of human remains were identified beneath the ground.
Management of the Tuam Home

The Bon Secours order was responsible for the administration of the Tuam mother and baby home. This establishment was one of 18 similar institutions that operated across Ireland for 76 years, during which an estimated 56,000 unmarried women and 57,000 children passed through them. The findings from a Commission of Investigation, spurred by discoveries at Tuam, indicated that 9,000 children died in these homes throughout Ireland.
Historical Context of Mother and Baby Homes

These homes served as institutions where women who became pregnant outside of wedlock were housed. They were often placed there due to societal pressures, the state, and the influence of the Catholic Church in Ireland. Following childbirth, mothers were frequently separated from their infants, with many children subsequently being adopted.
Excavation and Investigation

The discovery of an unmarked mass burial site at the Tuam home, initially brought to light by local historian Catherine Corless in 2014, led to the establishment of an Irish Commission of Investigation. Her research suggested that 796 children who died at the home were likely interred in a disused septic tank. Legislation was finally passed in parliament in 2022, authorising the commencement of excavation work at the Tuam site. A team was appointed in 2023 to oversee the recovery, memorialisation, and re-burial of any remains found.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Who ran the mother and baby home in Tuam?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends