What does ward mean in the Victorian period?

In the Victorian period, the term "ward" typically referred to a child or young person placed under the protection and care of a guardian or the court, often due to parental incapacity or absence. Wards were often involved in legal proceedings concerning their welfare, and their guardians were responsible for their upbringing and education. The concept reflects the Victorian emphasis on social responsibility and morality, particularly in relation to vulnerable individuals. Additionally, "ward" could also denote a division within a hospital or a section of a city or district.