Ancestry UK

Caldecott House, Abingdon, Berkshire

In 1945, Caldecott House on Caldecott Road, Abingdon, became a Barnardo's home. Initially housing boys, Caldecott House became a mixed home in 1952.

The home's large grounds were regularly used for flower shows and summer fêtes which were often attended by celebrities of the day including Princess Margaret, Sir Edmund Hillary, Jack Hawkins, and pop guitarist Bert Weedon.

The home closed on the 31st August 1971. The house no longer exists but the former entrance lodge survives, now a private house.

Records

Note: many repositories impose a closure period of up to 100 years for records identifying individuals. Before travelling a long distance, always check that the records you want to consult will be available.

Bibliography

  • Barnardo, Syrie Louise, and Marchant, James Memoirs of the Late Dr Barnardo (Hodder & Stoughton, 1907)
  • Batt, J.H. Dr. Barnardo: The Foster-Father of "Nobody's Children" (S.W. Partridge, 1904)
  • Bready, J. Wesley Doctor Barnardo (Allen & Unwin, 1930)
  • Higginbotham, Peter Children's Homes: A History of Institutional Care for Britain's Young (2017, Pen & Sword)
  • Rose, June For the Sake of the Children: Inside Dr. Barnardo's: 120 years of caring for children (Hodder & Stoughton, 1987)
  • Wagner, Gillian Barnardo (Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 1979)