Who was the man who first lodged at 30 Coborn Street? This plaque commemorates Doctor Barnardo’s initial arrival in London back in 1866. He found lodging right here.
Coborn Street itself boasts a rich history. It was constructed in the 1820s by trustees of the Coborn Estate. Prisca Coborn had left a large sum to educate local children.
The street aimed to attract a respectable class of resident. The 1851 census confirms its success. Many residents had dock connections. Almost every house included at least one live-in servant.
James Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, also once called 30 Coborn Street home. The mission, now the Overseas Missionary Fellowship, claims 1,400 missionary workers across forty nations. Because of Taylor, young Dr Barnardo came to lodge in Coborn Street.
Thomas John Barnardo was born in Dublin in 1845. He initially intended to become a medical missionary in China. His work in London exposed him to homeless children. He then gave up his missionary ambitions. Barnardo began his life’s work of caring for destitute children.
The first of Dr Barnardo’s Homes opened in 1867. It was located at 18 Stepney Causeway, London. By his death in 1905, Barnardo had established 112 district homes. These spanned throughout the United Kingdom.
Barnardo’s institutions aimed to find and help children in need. They provided food, clothing and education. Younger children were often boarded out in rural areas. Older girls received domestic training. Boys were prepared for various trades or emigration.
In 1866, Dr Barnardo’s journey in London began right here at 30 Coborn Street. This plaque serves as a reminder of his dedication. It honors his tireless work for vulnerable children. His legacy continues to inspire those working to improve children’s lives. The memory of Dr Barnardo lives on through this simple marker.