2-979-541 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

St. Ann's Royal Asylum, Brixton, 1857. In 1800 '...the governors [of St. Ann's Society] determined to open a country asylum for the entire maintenance and education of 20 additional boys and girls, and Brixton-hill was chosen for the site of the new school. The present building was erected in 1829: it is a handsome edifice of three stories, surmounted by a cornice and parapet, and fronted centrally by an Ionic portico and pediment...The health of the children was reported to be good, and every means had been adopted to improve their intellectual culture - a reading-room, library, and museum having been established. The bazaar which was held, last summer at Streatham produced £309; but the fund is still deficient £3000...[the children are] instructed in the rudiments of useful learning, and qualified for trade or the counting-house...[or] domestic servitude'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.