Ancestry UK

St George's Home For Boys, Orford, Warrington, Cheshire

In 1924, the St George's Home For Boys, run by the Waifs and Strays Society home, moved from its previous location at Salisbury Street, Warrington, to new premises at The Limes, Orford Green, in Orford area of north Warrington. The home was dedicated on February 27th, 1924, by the Bishop of Warrington, Dr Edwin Kempson, in the presence of a large gathering which included the Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington.

Dedication of St George's Home For Boys, Orford, 1924. © Peter Higginbotham

The new home could accommodate 21 boys aged from 6 to 10 years.

Residents of the St George's Home For Boys, Orford, c.1930. © Peter Higginbotham

At work in the garden, St George's Home For Boys, Orford, c.1931. © Peter Higginbotham

The Waifs and Strays Society emigrated many of its children, primarily those without relatives to help them in England, to new homes in Canada. Boys emigrating from Orford were each presented with a watch by the Matron.

Emigrants receiving watches, St George's Home For Boys, Orford, 1927. © Peter Higginbotham

The group picture below shows two 1927 emigrants from Orford with their luggage labelled 'Quebec'.

A last group picture before emigrants leave St George's Home For Boys, Orford, 1927. © Peter Higginbotham

In 1934, the home moved from Orford to new premises at Penketh.

The Orford property was later used by The Limes Labour Club. In more recent times, it has become a car accessories shop.

Former St George's Home premises, Orford, 2013. © Peter Higginbotham

Records

Note: many repositories impose a closure period of up to 100 years for records identifying individuals. Before travelling a long distance, always check that the records you want to consult will be available.

Bibliography