Howard House, Bedford, Bedfordshire
In around 1928, the Howard House Barnardo's Home was opened at 17 Cardington Road, Bedford. The property, at that time known as Abbey Close, had previously been owned by the late Sir Frederick Howard, a Deputy Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
The home, which provided care for children with learning disabilities, was evacuated to other premises during World War Two. It finally closed in August 1969 and the premises are now occupied by Bedford Girls' School.
Former Howard House Barnardo's Home, Bedford, 2014. © Peter Higginbotham
Former Howard House Barnardo's Home, Bedford, 2014. © Peter Higginbotham
A notable inmate of the home was the novelist and playwright Frank Norman who arrived there as a seven-year old in 1937 and departed in 1941.
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.
- Barnardo's 'Making Connections' and Family History Services — for enquiries relating the records of children formerly in the care of Barnardo's and those of other organisations absorbed by them.
- The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU. File BN62/1281 — inspection reports (1962-69). [Access closed for 75 years]
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)
Links
- Barker, Jeff Caring for Other People's Children — Jeff Barker's Memoirs of working at the Canterbury, Barkingside and Bedford Barnardo Homes.
- The Barnardo's website.
- The Goldonian Website — memories and information from former Barnardo's children.
Except where indicated, this page () © Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.
