Islington Technical Home

Islington Home for Boys was founded in 1862 in memory of the Rev. Daniel Wilson, a prominent figure within the Church. The Home was run independently for nearly forty years, before the Society took it over in 1901. At this time, the name was changed to Islington Technical Home and a new committee was appointed, with Miss Mann as Honorary Secretary. Miss Jordon replaced Miss Mann as the secretary in 1904, but she did not stay for long, and O.L. Watkins superseded her sometime between 1905-1908.

Under the supervision of their master and matron, the forty to sixty boys (aged 13-15) were trained in various manual trades, including carpentry, shoemaking and tailoring. The boys proved to be so successful at their trades, that the Home became almost entirely self-sufficient, needing little financial aid from the Society.

The Islington Home also functioned as an emergency hostel for boys who could not be housed elsewhere, or who needed immediate hospital treatment in London. In 1906 a special sick-room was added to the Home, to accommodate these unwell visitors.

At first the Home only looked after boys who were over school age, but this changed in 1912 when the accommodation was re-arranged to admit younger children. This allowed a nurse to be present at all time to oversee the young ones' welfare and schooling.

The Home moved to Wellingborough in 1913.