Hidden Lives Revealed. A virtual archive - children in care 1882 - 1918 * Image of handwritten text

St Ethelburga's Home For Girls, Loughton

Photograph of St Ethelburga's Home For Girls, Loughton

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St Ethelburga's Home For Girls, Loughton

York Hill, Loughton, Essex

(1908 - 1922)

This Home's origins lay with the Alexandra Home for Girls in Kilburn, north London. The Alexandra Home moved from its location because the Society thought the old house was too cramped for the children's needs, and it disagreed with the "sooty little garden over-looking the railway". When more suitable premises were found during 1908, in York Hill, Loughton - the Alexandra Home moved and became St Ethelburga's. The children now had a house with a good garden, and plenty of space to play.

The new Home was officially opened by the Bishop of Barking on July 3rd 1908. Loughton, on the borders of Epping Forest, was perfect for the forty girls (who were aged between eight and fourteen) to show off their crop growing skills. For the first time they had they own little gardens could grow vegetables under the supervision of Miss Harland, the Matron.

The Home closed in 1922.



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