Dorset Industrial School, Poole
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Dorset Industrial School, Poole
The Dorset Industrial School, West Street, Poole, founded in 1864. Date: circa 1880
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Media ID 14350730
© Peter Higginbotham /Mary Evans Picture Library
1864 Carehome Dorset Founded Poole Services Welfare Childrens
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the Dorset Industrial School in Poole, a place of care and refuge for children in need during the late Victorian era. Established in 1864, the Industrial School on West Street was a vital social service institution that provided shelter, education, and training to children who were abandoned, orphaned, or otherwise in need of a supportive environment. The children in this image, dressed in their simple uniforms, appear to be engaged in a group activity, possibly a lesson or a craft session, under the watchful gaze of their caregivers. The Dorset Industrial School was one of many such institutions that emerged in response to the growing social awareness of the plight of vulnerable children in the 19th century. These schools aimed to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children could learn essential skills and values that would help them become productive members of society. The children were taught a range of trades, including farming, shoemaking, and sewing, as well as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Despite the best intentions of the caregivers, life at the Industrial School was far from easy. Children were subjected to strict discipline and long hours of work, often in harsh conditions. However, for many, the School offered a lifeline, providing them with a roof over their heads, food, and a sense of belonging. This photograph offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the history of child welfare services in Dorset, and serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that such institutions played in shaping the lives of countless children during a time of great social change.
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