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

Sycamore House Home For Boys, Moseley

Photograph of Sycamore House Home For Boys, Moseley

Discover more about this imagelink opens in a new window

Sycamore House Home For Boys, Moseley

13 Park Road, Moseley, Staffordshire

(1904 - 1967)

Sycamore House Home for Boys started life as an independent children's home established by Miss Emma Simcox. Originally known as the Home of the Holy Child, the Home was given to the Waifs and Strays' Society in 1904. The Bishop of Birmingham conducted its opening ceremony in April of that year.

Unfortunately within three years the existing building had become unsuitable for the children's needs, and the 26 boys aged 7-12 moved to Sycamore House 13, Park Road. The Archdeacon of Birmingham dedicated this new Home on 12 February 1907. Regrettably, Miss Simcox passed away on 7 February and a brass tablet was placed in her honour in the Home's hall, bearing the inscription:

'In Loving Memory of Emma Charlotte Simcox (Sister of the Guild of St. Alban the Martyr), who fell asleep on 7th February, 1907. By her bequest the house known as no. 37 Highgate Street, Birmingham, was given for the purposes of the Home of the Holy Child which she had carried on for several years. That house was subsequently sold and the proceeds used in part payment for this building. R.I.P.'

Due to the Second World War, the boys were evacuated to Matlock in 1939. After the War the home reopened, and in 1949 it started caring for girls as well as boys. Sycamore House finally closed in 1967.



The Children's Society UNESCO logo Big
           Lottery Fund logo Wellcome Trust