Building    From 1849  To 1933

Central London District Schools

Categories: Education

There are several different names which all apply to the same institution.

The Central London School District was formed in 1849, when the school district's board acquired a privately owned building in Norwood, which was used as a pauper school. In 1854 it was decided to transfer to a site on Cuckoo Hill in Hanwell, and the first pupils were admitted here at the end of 1856. The Central London District Poor Law School was created by the City of London and the East London and St. Saviour Workhouse Unions in 1857.

A total of 1,200 children could be accommodated on the site. It was also known as the Cuckoo Schools, after the name of the farm on which it was built. It was partly destroyed by bomb damage during WW2, and in 1945, the remaining buildings became the Hanwell Community Centre.

Charlie Chaplin and his half-brother Sydney were pupils. 

Since Johnson's school, 'Central London School for Orphans and Destitute Children', is described as being in Hanwell, we think it must be this one.

Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Central London District Schools

Commemorated ati

Charlie Chaplin - Hanwell

The plaque is propped up behind the reception desk at Hanwell Community Centre

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Janet Johnson

Janet Johnson (1858 - 1955) pioneer welfare worker. Lived at 39 Redcross Way....

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This section lists the memorials created by the subject on this page:
Central London District Schools

Creations i

Central London District Schools Water Fountain

The (non-working) water fountain is located in a small garden next to the Han...

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Other Subjects

S. R. Pearce

S. R. Pearce

1893 Superintendent of the Metropolitan Tabernacle Sunday School.

Person, Education, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
Johann Pestalozzi

Johann Pestalozzi

Teacher and educational reformer.  Born in Zurich.  Motto "Learning by head, hand and heart". Wrote novels explaining his principles, e.g. 'Leonard and Gertrude', 1781.  Died Brugg, Switzerland.

Person, Education, Switzerland

1 memorial
Royal Holloway College

Royal Holloway College

Founded as a women-only college by Thomas Holloway in 1879 on the Mount Lee Estate in Egham. Sir Nikolaus Pevsner called the original college building (now listed Grade 1) "the most ebullient Victo...

Group, Education

1 memorial
C. B. Fry

C. B. Fry

Sportsman and journalist. Born Charles Burgess Fry in Croydon. Primarily his sport was cricket, but he was also an athlete and played in a football cup final. He taught at Charterhouse School and p...

Person, Education, Literature, Sport / Games, Germany

2 memorials
Martina Bergman Ősterberg

Martina Bergman Ősterberg

Pioneer of Physical Education for Women. A Swedish supporter of women's rights who settled in London in 1881. She was appointed Superintendent of Physical Education for London's public schools. Wil...

Person, Education, Gender Issues, Sport / Games, Sweden

1 memorial