The Early Years

Within 6 years there were 8 branch houses. By 1864 there were 26 and the Sisters numbered 116. By 1890 that number had increased to 384 and the number of convents was 52. As with any human venture this fast expansion was not without its difficulties. The first branch convent, in Brighton, closed within two years. The second, which was in Leamington Spa, was nearly closed as a result of its patron trying to have more influence and authority than Mother Genevieve herself.