Below you will find documents detailing information about boys sent to The Royal Philanthropic Farm school for a range of crimes ranging from theft of sweets to attempted murder but also homelessness and even loitering.
Most of the cases include a photo of the boy, most of whom are aged 13-15 but much younger boys were sent to the farm. They had to remain there till 19 unless work was found for them with a reputable individual. There are many letters from families explaining that they have found work for their son and may he be released to take the job. Many of the boys were sent to Canada upon release sometimes against the wishes of their family. One of these boys wrote to the home office in 1949 enquiring about his age.
Full transcript below.
2271/10/22 page 59b
2271/10/22 page 300d
Given up idea of Emig [emigrating]
because prefers to go back to London.
Wants to join father (whose address is not known and has not heard of him for 18 months [?] – when Grandmother said he was gone away!)
Has not talked it over with Mr Hearne
Has not been persuaded by boys!
Has no prospects but to ‘look out for work’ Still wants to go ‘home’!
Changed his mind 5 times in a day’
2271/10/22 page 47l
135 High Street
High Barnet
Herts. Friday
Dear brother,
Just a few lines to you. I inclosed the form and a post order for 2s 6d. Dear brother, he soon sying [‘signing?] the form. Father was not in when I first came home so I hat to wait. Dear brother, I will send the parcel on Monday next. I will write often to you. Charley just sent me some shamrock from Ireland. He gone to Affrica now. He told me to give you his best love. No more at present.
From your ever loving sister
Alice Ivey
Love from Cory [?] Terrance
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