Introduction

Abstract

Illegitimacy and adoption are two subjects which have constantly aroused people’s interest, however furtively, during the twentieth century. Both have a history going back into the mists of time but in Britain adoption became formally recognised with the passing of the first Adoption Acts in 1926 (England) and 1930 (Scotland). These made provision for de facto situations which had increased considerably with the number of children left fatherless (not all of them were illegitimate) by the 1914–18 war.