17th January 1870 – If Leonard could talk

Dear Interested party

The charity is now two weeks into its new venture, providing a home for boys in a small building on Quay Street. There are now 16 residents aged 11-16 who enter the refuge each night, have supper, sleep on hammocks, receive breakfast and then leave for the day. 





It may be interesting to note the few rules we have established to those who ask for admission:
We desire in no case to interfere with the duty of the parent, and therefore consider boys who have parents living in Manchester ineligible, except under very special circumstances.
As we propose to help those only who can help themselves, boys who will not do so are not eligible.

We were at first reluctant to help boys whom still have parents alive, as it is parents duty to provide for their child. Similarly, we believe boys should understand the importance of contributing to their own wellbeing so we only provide for those who were prepared to work.

Despite our strong protestant beliefs, no reference is made to religion when investigating cases for admittance, our only stipulation being the boys are homeless and destitute. Consequently, there are no distinctive religious teaching in the home and all catechisms and creeds are excluded. However, we ensure prayers are said morning and night and church is attended on Sundays.

These first few weeks have been one of trial and error but it is becoming more and more apparent that we need to provide some sort of kind of work for the boys in the home, rather than relying on them sourcing their own. Consequently, we have written to Manchester’s Watch Committee to obtain sanction for a Shoeblack Brigade on the streets and to London Road and Victoria Station for the placement of Messengers. This we hope will provide steady work for the boys and can lead on to more permanent situations.


Will write more soon.