Forest Hill

What brought a Polish doctor to Forest Hill in 1911? His name was Janusz Korczak. He journeyed to Forest Hill seeking inspiration for a revolutionary orphanage in Warsaw. Forest Hill in the early 20th century was a mix of grand homes and burgeoning amenities. The Crystal Palace’s relocation to Sydenham in 1854 spurred development. Forest Hill boasted London’s oldest swimming pool, built in 1884, and the Horniman Museum, gifted to the public in 1901. Korczak, deeply affected by his own difficult childhood, envisioned an orphanage built on children’s rights and respect. He arrived in Forest Hill by tram, taking in the sights of Horniman Gardens, with its bandstand and lake. He then visited the Girls’ Industrial Home, known as Louise House, and the adjacent Boys’ Home. He was struck by the homes’ nurturing environment, where children learned trades, attended school, and even had their own garden plots. These homes, established by local philanthropists, provided refuge and training for destitute children. Korczak’s visit to Forest Hill proved transformative. Inspired by the industrial homes, he returned to Warsaw with a solidified vision. His orphanage, opened in 1912, became a model of progressive childcare, emphasizing children’s autonomy and self-governance. Tragically, Korczak and the orphans were later deported to Treblinka during the Holocaust. His legacy, however, continues to inspire educators worldwide. His visit to Forest Hill remains a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and the lasting impact of one small community.