Hidden Lives Revealed. A virtual archive - children in care 1881-1981 * Image of handwritten text

Kingsley Hall, Frodsham

No image of this Home exists in the Children's Society Archive. If you have an image of this home please let us know at hlr@childsoc.org.uk.

Kingsley Hall, Frodsham

Kingsley, Frodsham, Cheshire

(1886 - 1897)

This home was established in 1886, when the Bishop of Chester conducted a benediction ceremony (a type of blessing) in the local church. The congregation and clergy then walked to Kingsley Hall, where the Bishop declared the Home to be 'open'. The building was spacious with bedrooms that could sleep 40 boys, and had over one acre of garden. The Home filled an important gap in the Society's work, as it catered for boys aged 8-12. At this age they were too old for the Ashdon Home in Essex, and too young for the Standon Home in Surrey.

The new Home received a warm reception from the village of Kingsley. Many people donated their services to the Home, including a committee of local women who offered to provide the boys with any clothing they needed. Generosity was also expressed on special occasions, as in 1890 when the boys were invited by the Woodhouse family to spend a day at Norley Hall Park. The children travelled by train to Delamere station where they were met by their hosts and driven to the hall in spring carts. In the morning they entertained Mr and Mrs Woodhouse by performing a military drill, with music played by their own drum and fife band. According to one boy, their day trip was 'such an adventure, and it was truly a great treat'.

For the 10 years that Kingsley Hall was open, the boys were looked after by their Master and Matron, Mr Hussey and Mrs Gillett. The Home closed in 1897, and the children moved to Tattenhall.



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