1884

Toynbee Hall

The first university settlement house. Founded by Samuel and Henrietta Barnett. It was named for their friend, Arnold Toynbee, the economic historian noted for his social commitment and desire to improve the living conditions of the working classes.

The idea was that the educated rich should live close to the poor and thus change society for the better. The Guild and School of Handicraft started life here in 1888.

Spitalfields Life have a good post about Toynbee Hall with lots of pictures. It's there we learnt that Toynbee Hall opened on Christmas Eve.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Toynbee Hall

Commemorated ati

St Mary Matfelon

Our picture comes from Google satellite view and shows, better than can be se...

Toynbee Hall

Toynbee Housing Society Evershed House Community - Opened on September 23rd 1...

Toynbee Hall Gatehouse

Toynbee Hall Gatehouse Inaugurated by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Harold...

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Other Subjects

Pulford Street Site Committee

The Pulford Street Site Fund was responsible for raising the resources necessary, mainly from Westminster residents, with grants from the Ministry of Health and Westminster Council, to build the Ta...

Group, Social Welfare

2 memorials

Emma Cons

Social reformer and theatre manager. Born London. Knew and was influenced by Octavia Hill, John Ruskin and Henrietta Barnett. Her involvement in the temperance movement led to her taking on the lea...

Person, Gender Issues, Politics & Administration, Social Welfare, Theatre

3 memorials

Diss Street, Vaughan Estate - foundation

We are delighted that the Terraces Tenements and Tower Blocks project researched the Housing Committee minutes and found this photograph. The Housing Committee are probably the people at the back ...

Event, Social Welfare

1 memorial

West Silvertown Urban Village

Trying to understand 'West Silvertown Urban Village' we found "The Urban Village: A Real or Imagined Contribution to Sustainable Development?" which contains 'West Silvertown urban village case stu...

Place, Property, Social Welfare

1 memorial

Mrs Catherine Smithies

Born as Catherine Bywater. Founded the Band of Mercy movement in Britain. She also campaigned against slavery but we can find no details. Her home, Earlham Grove House, built c.1865, has also been...

Person, Animals, Philanthropy, Race Issues, Social Welfare

1 memorial