St Agnes' Home For Girls, Croydon

According to the Society’s Annual Reports, this home was first proposed in May 1897. Plans were quickly put into action, and St Agnes’ Home for Girls was opened and dedicated on September 23rd 1897 by the Bishop of Columbia. The Home specialised in caring for disabled girls, usually aged seven and over. Originally the building had been used as a church institute so its large airy rooms were more than suitable.

The Home was moved to a new building in June 1900, which was officially opened on October 13th 1900 by the Mayor and Mayoress of Croydon. The object of this new Home was “to help the girls earn their own living.” Here they were taught the industries of knitting, weaving and basketwork, and they sold their products to help fund the Home. They were taught to make their own clothes and donations of cloth were always welcome.

One of the rooms on the ground floor was converted into a chapel, which the girls attended every morning and evening to say their prayers. On January 21st each year, the girls celebrated the anniversary of St Agnes at the chapel, with a dedication ceremony.

On 12th March 1914 the Society’s Patron, Queen Mary, paid a surprise visit to the Home. The Queen only gave a few hours notice before she was due to arrive, so that she could keep the visit private. The Honorary Secretary during these years was Miss Warton, with Miss Earp as the matron.

The Bishop of Croydon opened a new chapel in 1923, and the Home received a new altar in 1925. The Home closed in 1935, and the chapel was moved to St Agnes’ Church.