3-008-452 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The London Orphan Asylum at Clapton, [East London], 1862. 'Dr. Reed...conceived the idea of an asylum for orphans, which was founded in 1813...the present spacious range of buildings...was raised upon the beautiful site at Lower Clapton in the year 1823...The objects for which the asylum was raised were these: to maintain, clothe, and educate fatherless children, respectably descended but destitute of support, between the ages of seven and fifteen, without reference to sex or locality. The report in 1821 shows that 109 boys and girls were thus cared for. The present report shows that the permanent number on the establishment is 400. Since its opening 2712 children have been admitted to the London Orphan Asylum, while 2300 well trained for the business of life have issued from its walls. Situations have been found by the board of managers in the leading offices and warehouses in the City for the boys, and for the girls engagements in schools and the higher branches of domestic service. Beyond this for some years a fraternal influence is retained over the ex-pupils, who are encouraged to return each returning year with a good character from their employers in the hope of obtaining a pecuniary reward offered to such as behave well'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.