Are there records of Guardianship/Foster Care/Adoption that are accessible to the general public? I'm looking for information re a (Miss) Catherine COWLEY b. 1852 Braddan, and living at 12 St. Georges St., Onchan in 1881. I have particulars of my great-aunt being cared for by this lady from, perhaps, 1899 (5 years old), when her mother died, or 1-2 years after that when her father was hospitalized 1900-01, until her marriage in 1919.

This Catherine Cowley never married, and had 2 (illegitimate?) children, a son, Thomas Charles Kaighen b. 1873, and a daughter, Florence Mary Clarke b. 1879, living with her in 1881.

In 1901 my great-aunt, Doris Bell, is living with Catherine Cowley at 9 Gt. Nelson St., Onchan, as well as the above mentioned Florence Mary Clarke (now named Cowley), and a nephew, Robert Cain.

Would it have been possible, or likely, that an unmarried woman would be legally allowed to raise orphan children (not her own), without going through some type of legal procedure?

Any advice or suggestions most welcome. Thank you.