As part of our literacy work, we have used names from the Coalbrookdale census we are researching in ICT, as a basis

for creating an imaginary biography. Firstly we looked at a biography of Charles Dickens and Dr Barnado to try and recreate some of the ideas from Victorian times.

Imaginary biography Thomas Allen was born in 1831, in Coalbrookdale. This criminal was famous for stealing the crown jewels and sabotaging the queens horse and golden carriage. When he was 41 Thomas got cholera and died within 2 weeks. He died in 1880 in London. During his younger lifetime, he was proud, evil and rich. He was one of eight children, all boys. He had 7 brothers and 11 cousins. When Thomas became 16, his parents forced him to move out to a different home. From that day forth, he was poor, yet by the time he was 20 he had became an international criminal. He is infamous for sneaking into the queens palace and stealing the crown jewels which were going to be presented in front the whole city the day after. Thomas Allen was a cruel, sly and an unadventurous person. When Thomas got captured, he escaped within 5 years, with his only friend Charles Baston. From that day the police tried to capture Thomas but they couldnt find him at all.
By Cameron Grieveson

Alice Robert

Alice Robert was born in 1863 in London .She was a famous story writer. Alice became one when she was 21. Everyone bought her books about her life and other stories. She died of a heart attack when she was 55 leaving her husband and 3 children. Her only girl was 9 years old. Alices family was very small because some,like her brother and sister died of disease. Only 2 survived, Alice and her other brother. Her other brother was very sick. Her mum and dad got killed when they were on a boat going back to London. Alice lived the rest of her childhood without her mum and dad. She went to live with her Auntie and Uncle who were very strict. Alice had to live in the closet under the stairs. Before Alice became a famous story writer, she was a house maid. Alice dreamt of being a famous singer, but when she left her job, Alice became a writer because she had lots of ideas for books. When Alice wrote some books, she made lots of money, so she got a massive house and her own maid. Her 3 children were so happy they got a bedroom each of their own and some money too. Alice married Tom, who got a job of making steel. He was brilliant at it.

By Libby

The Chimney Sweep

By Daniel Mettam

I walked into a really wealthy house and I knew it was going to be a bad day just by looking at how dark the chimney was. After that, it beganI knew I had to climb up the chimney which looked as black as a bat. I then started to climb up the horrifying flue, but half way up, I noticed the chimney had become as thin as a giraffes neck. Now, soot began to sit on my shoulders, and I to cough, and my canes in my hand went SQUEAK!! It was really unpleasant. I looked at my elbows and knees, they were filthy and really, really mucky from the dirt up the flue. Smoke covered my face like it was a mask. As soon as I reached the top of the chimney, I became stuck, so the only two options were, either fight to climb out, or to stay in one place and probably die from suffocation and blood poisoning. As soon as I knew this, I felt as if I breathed my last breath, and I felt as if I was rotting away.

Dotheboys Hall, Gretna Bridge, Yorkshire, 23rd November 1885. Dear Mater, How are you feeling? Ive heard that you have had an incredibly bad chest infection, so I am really worried about you. Is my brother Jim back from his school yet, for the festive holidays? I miss him very much,especially his facial expressions, which he pulls behind your back! Ive been here at this horrible school, for five whole weeks now, and my skin on my bottom is as red as a freshly picked rose; all because of the dreaded cane. Consequently Im in pain every day, for nothing. I really would like to come home to you, however, I didnt want to leave you in the first place. Would you please write back to me as soon as possible, so I know that you still care and think about me. Fondest wishes, Patricia.

Dotheboys Hall, Gretna Bridge, Yorkshire, 23rd November 1885. Dear Papa, Hello Papa, Ive heard that you have broken your right knee cap. How did you do this? They didnt tell me. So I was wondering if I could come and see you all at Christmas? How is my younger brother Richard, has he got all of his teeth yet? I remember when he made me laugh so much when he was smacking me around the face with his chubby little hands! At this horrible school, I feel sick every minute with worry. Even though there are some kind children and excellent staff. I still walk around on my own in the cold freezing air. My bottom is as red as a ripe apple from my beatings. Please, please can I come home for Christmas, I am begging you with fear and worry incase you refuse. Best wishes, Liam Edward.