Ancestry UK

Chatham House of Refuge and Industrial Home / Training Home, Chatham, Kent

Chatham's House of Refuge and Industrial Home was established in 1856. The following year it was reported that a house has been taken short distance from Chatham, on the Canterbury road, 'for young women of loose character desirous of being reclaimed', and a matron had been engaged to impart religious instruction to the inmates. By 1907, the Home's object was stated as being to reclaim fallen women and to train them for domestic service and laundry work.

The Home occupied premises at 148 Rainham Road, Chatham Hill, Chatham, and could accommodate about 24 girls and young women, aged 17 to 25.

By 1920, the Home had become known as the Chatham Training Home for 'troublesome girls, particularly those in danger.' Those admitted were between 15 and 18 years of age and were required to remain two years.

The Home closed at around the time of the Second World War. The premises no longer exist.

Records

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  • None identfied at present — any information welcome.

Census

Bibliography

  • None identified at present.