Homes for Orphans, Swanley, Kent

THE NEW HOMES FOR ORPHANS, SWANLEY, KENT - These buildings, the foundation-stone of which is to be laid this day (Saturday) by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, with Masonic ceremonies, are intended for the maintenance and education of orphan boys, and are being erected for the Committee of the well-known “Homes for Little Boys,” at Farningham. Admission to the latter, however, being by their regulations restricted to the absolutely homeless, while, on the other hand, admission to the existing Orphan Asylums can only be obtained by the tedious process of election, the necessity for a home at once, where fatherless boys could be received on payment of a small annual sum, was felt to be urgent; and this want the present buildings are specially designed to meet. The boys would be admitted at an early age, and, after benefiting by the advantages that this institution gives, leave it qualified to earn their own living. As there will here be congregated at the same time boys of all ages, the initial idea of this scheme is, - as will be seen from the accompanying plan and view, - the provision of a number of detached houses in order to facilitate the classification and separation of the boys, and these houses are grouped round a central block of school and workshop buildings. The buildings are arranged on the site in such a way that the principal rooms may have a southern aspect, and also command a view of the charming scenery in this neighbourhood. They lie high, and are pleasantly situated near the Farningham Homes, and close to the Swanley Junction of the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway.

The reception blocks, or Dame’s Houses, - blocks D and F on plan,—are semi-detached, and are each intended for the accommodation of twenty-five boys, who, being very young, would be under the care of a dame, or mother, until they were sufficiently advanced to be transferred, firstly, to the Assistant Masters’ Houses, blocks C and E on plan, - where they would be under the influence of the masters at home as well as at school ; and , finally, to that of the head-master, - block B on plan. Here, during the last and most important period of their stay, they, under the guidance of the head-master and two assistant masters, would be especially prepared to make their start in life. (See Builder, vol. xxxix., p. 5-H (Oct. 30, 1880). The total accommodation at present contemplated in the blocks, as mentioned above, will be for 120 boys, but ultimately it is the intention of the committee to complete the buildings, as shown on the plan, when they will be able to receive 200 boys; and still be in a position to provide for a future extension, if necessary. While keeping in view the wishes of the committee, it has been the special aim of the architect to combine the best and most efficient, arrangements with compactness of plan and economy of cost; and, although the general structural arrangements are, therefore, of the simplest character, the health requirements of the inmates have been considered. With regard to the external treatment of the buildings, a simple yet picturesque effect has been aimed at in the general grouping, but the use of expensive materials has been avoided. The walls are hollow, of stocks, with red facings, and very little stone is used except for sills, steps, etc. The contract for the first portion has been taken by Messrs. Martin, Wells, & Co., of Aldershot, who are carrying out the works under the superintendence of the architect, Mr. Henry Spalding, of 91, Queen Victoria-street [Builder 15 July 1882 page 76]

The home for orphan boys at Swanley, Kent, was inaugurated by the Prince and Princess of Wales on Friday. The institution is situated about four miles from the Farningham village homes for little boys, of which it forms an extension. There are three blocks of buildings. One contains the school hall, with four classrooms annexed on the first floor and on the ground floor three workshops.  Next to this is the head master's house where 40 boys will be boarded, and the third block comprises two dames or mothers' houses for 25 boys each. The buildings are in the Queen Anne style, and are erected in red bricks, and finished with slate roofs. The total cost of buildings, site and drainage has been £10,000. Messrs. Spalding and Auld are the architects. [Building News 27 July 1883 page 147]

Reference        Builder 15 July 1882 page 76 – foundation stone
Reference        The Graphic 21 July 1883 page 6-7
Reference        Times 21 July 1883 page - opening Swanley
Reference        Building News 27 July 1883 page 147 - opening
Reference        Times 12 November 1883 page 6