Leonard Shaw and Dr. Barnardo

The 19th century was notable for the men and women who devoted themselves to the service of destitute children. Lord Shaftesbury of London, Miss Annie Macpherson of Stratford, Thomas John Barnardo, Leonard K. Shaw, William Quarrier of Glasgow,and Edward Rudolf of the Children’s Society formed a group of philanthropists which strove to better living conditions for children.

Leonard Shaw

We’ve mentioned before on this blog the shadow our founder Leonard Shaw has been in against some of these great men and women. Although many would know the history of Barnardo’s or the Children’s Society few have heard of the work completed here in Manchester, even by its own inhabitants. During his lifetime however, Leonard was well-known and respected both by the local community and his fellow professionals.

In fact Leonard Shaw and Thomas Barnardo were the ‘closest and best of friends and allies’. Whereas some could see the potential for rivalry between two men who worked in the same area of childcare, they instead channelled their knowledge to improve conditions in both London and Manchester. 

Leaving for Canada

'"From first to last,' says a devoted friend of Dr. Barnardo’s work, who relates the story, ‘Leonard K Shaw and Dr. Barnardo were the closest and best of friends and allies. Their common work only served to knit these two noble souls together....The last time they met on earth was on the landing stage at Liverpool. Mr. Shaw seemed as is his strength was failing, and taking his arm, Dr. Barnardo walked with him, after their parties of emigrants had gone, and besought him to rest. “My rest is amongst the children” said Mr. Shaw."

- Memoirs of the late Dr. Barnardo by Mrs Barnardo and James Marchant, 1907