The Shirley Oaks Children’s Home was one of the largest in the whole of the country. It was built in 1903, and it operated until 1982. The home’s name derives from Oaks Farm that used to be there. If you can imagine, this huge establishment, consisting of 38 cottages, was built on a massive site containing its own school, a total of 80 acres of land. After closing in 1982, the site was demolished to make way for modern housing. The home contained its own school. Sadly, allegations of abuse emerged in 2014. This prompted the establishment of the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (SOSA). Over 1,760 people have described suffering sexual, physical, and racial abuse during their stay here. The abuse at the home included children being “drugged, tortured and sexually assaulted”. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse heard that despite widespread mistreatment of children, the Lambeth Council failed to investigate any allegations at the time. Lambeth Council has set up a Redress Scheme to compensate victims of abuse at Shirley Oaks. This scheme has so far paid over £30.7 million to victims.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to