Together Trust Archive

Continuing our exploration of the illustrations created for the Manchester and Salford Refuges, we’re putting a spotlight on an image depicting the events of the 1923 Belmont Garden Fete . Some readers may have seen this little cartoon before.

We came across a newspaper article in the archive the other day, written by an individual who was ‘investigating the results and prospects of juvenile emigration’. Concentrating on those sent to Marchmont Home , the writer visited 50 boys and girls in the area surrounding Belleville over three weeks. Outside Marchmont Home

It’s been a while since we thought back to our Refuge boys on the Western Front. In September 1916 the Battle of the Somme was still raging and the Manchester population read the newspapers everyday, to try and gain some understanding into what was happening 400 miles away.  Refuge soldiers

On 13 January 1872, the Boys’ Refuge and Industrial Home, as we were then known, held their second annual meeting. This was reported in the Manchester Weekly Times and even in those early days many of Manchester’s elite turned out for the meeting, including the Bishop of Manchester, M.P. Mr. Oliver Heywood , John Rylands and Thomas Wright.   On Admittance Within two years the venture had been so successful that the charity had managed to move away from its initial premises on Quay Street, in the notorious district of Deansgate, to Francis Street, Strangeways. Four three storey houses and a yard were purchased and converted into one building. The report also referred to a story that would eventually lead to the opening of a new building on Major Street in 1884, the 24 hour shelter . In the winter months of 1871 three boys applied at the Refuge looking for shelter. As the home was already full, they had to be turned away. Seeking warmth and shelter and being unable to affor...

"A refuge for the destitute lads of the city has been opened in Quay Street, under the care of Mr WF Brown, who has had considerable experience of the management of similar institutions in London. Forty inmates have taken advantage of the home, of whom twenty-four belong to a shoeblack brigade, six to a newspaper brigade, two are messengers, five are in situations, and three are employed in the refuge. The lads are charged one penny for their breakfast, one penny for supper, one penny for bed, and threepence for dinner." - Manchester Evening News, (22 February 1870) This is the first known reference to the Charity in the local newspapers. At the time it was the main source of news to the community and was integral to the promotion of any organisation. The Refuge regularly used the newspapers to fundraise and promote its work.  Advert for funds