Helston Home For Boys

Helston Home was opened on June 5th 1901 with a dedication service held in the garden of the house. The ceremony was conducted by several local churchmen, including the Bishop of Truro and the Vicar of Helston. Also present was the founder of the Waifs and Strays' Society, Edward Rudolf, who made an appeal for donations. He invited local individuals to contribute £3 per year, which would cover the cost of one child’s clothing.

The Home could accommodate up to twenty-four boys (aged 6-10), who were looked after by their matron, Miss Bailey. She only occupied the post temporarily whilst 'everything was placed in working order', and Miss Hunt replaced her shortly afterwards.

Every year on May 8th (Flora Day) the boys of the Home took part in Cornwall’s famous “Furry Dance”, when all the inhabitants of Helston would walk in procession through the town. This is regarded as one of the oldest customs in the British Isles, and it is still celebrated today. During the “Furry Dance” of 1907, with the Lord Mayor of London in attendance, the procession made a special visit to Helston Home. An account of the day tells us that the event was greeted with 'delight by the boys who cheered the Lord Mayor vociferously'.

The Home closed in 1909, when the boys moved to a larger house in Newquay.