Camden History

The Home was founded in 1829 in east London but moved to Hampstead in the mid-1850s. Its supporters believed that the needs of sailors were seen by the public as less pressing than those of soldiers.  An appeal of 1853 said that orphans of sailors in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Merchant Service were eligible for entry, but this was the only Home that also took in orphans of men who served in the mercantile marine.  The girls were educated and supported until they were 15. Donors voted and ‘elected’ girls to the Home; the more money you raised, the more votes you were entitled to. In 1867, each lady who collected five guineas was enrolled as a Life Governor with two votes at all elections. Alternatively, single payments for support could be made. In common with most homes, the sailors’ orphans were trained for domestic service; situations were found for them, and outfits provided. In the case of this Home, proof of the father’s service, parents’ marriage and child’s birth certific