Ancestry UK

Clapton Home for Boys, Clapton, London

The Clapton Home for Boys was established by the Waifs and Strays Society in 1882 at Frederick Terrace, Aveley Road, Clapton. It was the second home to be opened by the Society, following the girls' home at East Dulwich.

The Clapton home was used as a receiving home, providing boys with temporary care until they were placed in foster homes or in other establishments. Initially, the home could accommodate 24 boys aged 7 to 14. Its capacity was increased to 30 after building work was carried out in 1883.

While at the home, the boys continued their education either in the home's own school room or at a local school. They also received singing lessons from a local lady who played the home's organ, and were taught sewing and darning by the home's Matron, Mrs Mitchell.

The Clapton proved increasingly unsatisfactory and the home was closed in 1887. The boys were then transferred to the Society's new home at Frome in Somerset.

Aveley Road no longer exists.

Records

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