By 1857, both of Eddowes's parents had died, resulting in Eddowes being admitted as an orphan to a Bermondsey Workhouse. She later returned to Wolverhampton where an aunt obtained employment for her as a tinplate stamper at the Old Hall Works. Eddowes was soon fired from this employment, possibly after being caught stealing. She moved from Wolverhampton to Birmingham, where she briefly lived with an uncle. Eddowes worked as a tray polisher in Birmingham for four months before returning to Wolverhampton. Nine months later, she again moved to Birmingham.