Refugees and Asylum 31100

Thomas John Barnado was born in Dublin in 1845, the son of an exiled Spanish Protestant family. A religious experience in early manhood led Barnado to become a preacher in the Dublin slums before deciding to offer his services as a medical missionary in China. To this end he left Ireland in 1866, aged 21, to start training at the London Hospital.

During his time in London he was shocked and appalled by the conditions facing children on the street. He felt deeply depressed by the orphans who frequently lived and died in poverty and destitution. Although poor himself, Barnado looked for some way to help. The tradition of the time - which arguably still remains -was for people to complete their training and secure their own livelihood before undertaking to help others. Barnado decided however that the work to help these least privileged members of society could not wait. Whilst still a student, he revealed the extent of child homelessness to missionary gatherings and became superintendent of a 'ragged school', which provided accommodation and education for orphan boys in an old donkey stable.

Through his experiences with these boys, Barnado was persuaded that his work lay in England and not in China. This was confirmed in 1867 when he received a £1 000 donation from a stranger to open a home for homeless boys. This was known as the East End Mission. Determined not to let the home run into debt, attendance was limited. However after learning of the death from exposure of one boy who had been refused admittance to the home, Barnado resolved that no child in need should be turned away, a principle still in force in Barnado homes today.

In 1873 Barnado married and extended his work to homeless girls, building a village of homes 6 miles from London - each housing a family of girls together with a 'mother'. Further homes were opened until Barnado had up to 7 000 children in his care.

Barnado was known as a hardworking and conscientious man, frequently working until midnight. As well as running the homes, he was also an active campaigner for children's rights and was a key force in ensuring that the Custody of Children Act was passed in 1891. He also edited four magazines, started a scheme to aid starving infants and helped provide free meals to schoolchildren, free medical attention to the poor and financial assistance for elderly women.

His work with homeless children continued until his death in 1905. In this time he raised over £3 million for his work and it is estimated that more than 60, 000 children benefited from his care. He left behind a lasting legacy. It is estimated that 10 000 children and young people benefit from the care offered by Barnado Homes in the UK alone.

Despite his own humble origins, Dr Barnado strode against the traditions of his time to make a lasting contribution towards improving the lives of children everywhere. As we are reminded in an obituary printed in Indian Opinion in 1905, "Dr. Barnardo has provided us, during the present age, a very good example of what a poor man could accomplish by dint of enthusiasm and kindness."

Back to home page

Use browser back button to view more articles in this category