Alcott House facts for kids
Alcott House was a special community and school in Ham, Surrey (which is now part of London Borough of Richmond upon Thames). It was active from 1838 to 1848. People who supported Alcott House, also known as the Concordium, played a big part in starting the Vegetarian Society in 1847.
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A Special Community Called Alcott House
The main person behind Alcott House was James Pierrepont Greaves. He was a spiritual leader and teacher. Greaves was inspired by American thinker Amos Bronson Alcott and Swiss educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi.
In 1838, Greaves and his followers, including Charles Lane, started Alcott House. They got help from wealthy supporters, Sophia and Georgiana Chichester. The community was on Ham Common in Surrey. It was a working cooperative community and a school for children. Henry Gardiner Wright was the headmaster of the school.
Living at Alcott House
The people at Alcott House wanted to improve themselves spiritually. Greaves said they aimed to create "the most loveful, intelligent and efficient conditions for divine progress in humanity." To do this, they followed a strict way of life:
- They woke up early.
- They ate a very strict vegetarian diet, mostly raw food.
- They avoided stimulants like coffee or tea.
- They lived simply.
- They tried out different practices like astrology, hydrotherapy (water therapy), mesmerism (a type of hypnotism), and phrenology (studying head shapes).
The men grew their hair and beards long. They wore loose, comfortable clothes. The women did not wear tight corsets, which was unusual for the time.
The Alcott House Diet
The community at Alcott House followed a very strict vegan diet. This meant they ate no animal source foods. They avoided meat, butter, cheese, and eggs. They also did not use stimulants like chocolate, coffee, or tea. Even common seasonings like mustard, salt, vinegar, and spices were not allowed. Most meals were served cold, except for hot potatoes.
The School at Alcott House
The Alcott House school welcomed children from both inside and outside the community. Many parents who believed in new ways of teaching sent their children there. The school focused on teaching good morals. It helped children develop their natural spiritual gifts.
Students learned practical skills like gardening and cooking. They also did regular book learning. The teachers did not believe in punishment. The goal was to raise "integral men and women." These were people who could live well in a truly cooperative society. They would not just follow traditional roles.
The End of the Community
In 1848, the Alcott House community closed down. In 1849, John Minter Morgan bought the house. He turned it into an orphanage for 70 girls, called the National Orphan Home for Girls. This orphanage also followed vegetarian principles.
In 1856, they started building a new, larger building. This new building, called South Lodge, opened in 1862. It could house 200 children. The orphanage closed in 1924. Today, South Lodge has been turned into flats, and the land around it is now Bishops Close.
Starting the Vegetarian Society
In 1843, a group of vegetarians at Alcott House formed a new group. It was called the British and Foreign Society for the Promotion of Humanity and Abstinence from Animal Food. This Society was different from others at the time. It allowed women to join and even hold important positions. Many people see this Society as an early version of the Vegetarian Society. Sophia Chichester was its President.
