2-970-125 - /Heritage Images

The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone laying the Foundation-Stone of the School in Golden-Lane, 1856. Future British prime minister presides at the founding of a school for poor children in London. 'The object of the new school is the supplying free education to the children of the poor inhabitants of Golden-lane and Whitecross-street...This school had its origin in the zealous and persevering efforts of the Incumbent of the parish, the Rev. William Rogers, who [perceived] that there were in his care 2386 children of the lowest class, between the ages of ten and fourteen, who did not attend any school whatever...[Mr. Gladstone said that] 'he knew not why those ragged boys whom they caught in the street and sought to educate should not themselves, under the hands of skilful workmen, become contributors to that Christian eloquence the extension of which they all desired (Cheers)'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.