[an error occurred while processing this directive] Bersted Home for Boys, Bognor Regis, Sussex
Ancestry UK

Bersted Home for Boys, Bognor Regis, Sussex

The Bersted Home for Boys was established in around 1890 at Sheepwash Lane (now Hawthorn Road), South Bersted, on the outskirts of Bognor Regis. It could accommodate 40 boys, aged from 8 to 14. From the outset, the home had received boys paid for by the Waifs and Strays Society and was taken over by the Society in 1892. In 1893, the home was also certified to accommodate boys placed by the workhouse authorities.

Bersted Home for Boys, Bognor Regis, c.1893. © Peter Higginbotham

The extensive premises had previously been a builder's house and yard, and the old workshops were converted into school rooms, play rooms, store rooms and dormitories. As the numbers of children increased, two adjoining cottages were rented and a dining hall and drill hall erected, the seating up to 400 people at an entertainment.

Although the home had its own school rooms, some of the boys attended the local National School. A large gymnasium also provided plenty of scope for physical pursuits and military-style drill.

Bersted Home Gymnasts, Bognor Regis, c.1893. © Peter Higginbotham

The home had its own military band which gave performances at local events.

Bersted Home Boys' Band, Bognor Regis, c.1893. © Peter Higginbotham

The daily routine at the home began each day except Sunday with bread and a large basin of porridge. The boys had a meat dinner every other day, with plenty of vegetables from the home's garden. Fruit puddings were served on Sunday, with cake for supper.

The old buildings proved increasingly inadequate for the growing number of boys and in 1907 the home moved to a larger property at Sampford Peverell, near Tiverton.

The Bersted premises were later occupied a laundry. The buildings have since been demolished and Fletcher Way now covers the site.

Records

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Bibliography