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Ancestry UK

Dundee Working Boys' Home, Dundee, Angus (Forfarshire), Scotland

In 1880, an Auxiliary Home for up to 24 boys was established in connection with the Dundee Industrial School for Boys at Baldovan. The premises, erected for the purpose by the school, were at 9 West Bell Street, Dundee.

An inspection of the home in 1883 found 13 boys lodging there who were under legal detention and six discharged boys, under the care of a superintendent and his wife, Mr and Mrs Mitchell. The premises were small, but very clean and in good order. No systematic teaching was provided although Mr Mitchell occasionally gave a lesson in arithmetic and reading. The maximum the discharged boys paid was 6s. a week, less if their earnings were insufficient, in which case the difference was made up by the school. Employers were supplied from the home with printed forms on which to report on the conduct of the boys. On Sunday the boys went twice to church in the charge of Mr Mitchell. Discipline was maintained without any punishment, except the fear of dismissal from the home, or being sent back to the school for a period.

In 1899, the home moved to larger quarters at 7 Park Place, Dundee. On 24 November 1899 the premises weres formally certified to accommodate 20 boys, the number being raised to 26 on 6 October 1903.

In 1921, the home was relocated to 2 South Ellen Street, Dundee. On 3 August the premises were certified to accommodate up to 26 boys.

In April 1932, the South Ellen Street premises were taken over by the Church of Scotland, becoming known as the Hostel for Young Men and providing free accommodation for 'destitute lads apprenticed to trades'. It continued in operation until around 1970.

The West Bell Street property was later used a offices and still exists. The Park Place building no longer survives, and the location now forms part of Dundee University. The South Ellen Street premises are believed to new be in private residential use.

Records

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  • None identfied at present — any information welcome.

Bibliography

  • None noted at present.

Except where indicated, this page () © Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.