Oxford House (settlement) facts for kids
Oxford House is a community center in Bethnal Green, East London. It started in September 1884. It was one of the first "settlements" created by Oxford University. Its goal was to help people in need, especially those living in poorer areas. It was a bit like Toynbee Hall, another settlement that opened around the same time.
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History of Oxford House
How Oxford House Started
In the 1800s, many people in England wanted to help others. This led to a movement where university students and graduates would live in poor neighborhoods. They wanted to understand the challenges people faced and offer support. This was called the "settlement movement."
Some people from Oxford University felt that early settlements, like Toynbee Hall, were not religious enough. So, a group of Oxford men, led by Edward Talbot, decided to create a new settlement. They wanted it to have a stronger religious focus.
The first place used by Oxford House was a school building in Bethnal Green. A few university graduates lived there. They worked to help the local community. They started clubs for boys and a "talk and smoke" club for working men. They also gave Sunday Bible talks.
A New Building for More Help
In 1889, Arthur Winnington-Ingram became the Head of Oxford House. More and more people wanted to join the programs. This meant they needed a bigger place. They raised a lot of money to buy land and build a new, strong red-brick building.
The famous architect Sir Arthur Blomfield designed the building. It opened in 1892. The Duke of Connaught officially opened it. In 2011, it was recognized as a special historic building.
Oxford House grew and bought other properties. These included a hall with swimming baths and grounds for sports clubs. Other similar university settlements also started in London and other cities. Some were even just for women and girls.
Oxford House in the 1900s
When World War I started, many volunteers joined the army. This meant Oxford House had fewer people to help. The building was even used as a shelter during air raids in 1917.
After the war, it was hard to get back to how things were before. But Oxford House kept its boys' clubs and groups for working men. Even during the Great Depression, when many people in Bethnal Green had no jobs, Oxford House continued to help. They even connected boys from different social backgrounds through sports like football and cricket.
In 1931, Mahatma Gandhi visited Britain. He gave a speech at Oxford House. About 3,000 people gathered outside to cheer for him! In the 1930s, some groups caused trouble in the East End. The Head of Oxford House spoke out against these groups.
When World War II began, parts of Oxford House were used by the army. In 1940, Guy and Molly Clutton-Brock became the new Heads. They opened the house to everyone, including women and girls for the first time. The building was a shelter during the London Blitz. Over 600 people found safety there. Children were even sent to Wales to special schools set up by Oxford House. This helped them escape the heavy bombing in London.
After the war, Oxford House became even more connected to the local community. It was seen as a vital part of Bethnal Green. In the 1950s and 1960s, Bethnal Green was rebuilt. Many old houses were replaced with new housing estates. Oxford House helped form community groups during this time.
In the 1970s and 80s, Oxford House overcame its challenges. In 1984, it celebrated 100 years since it started. The Princess Royal was a special guest.
In the 1990s, Oxford House continued to help many different groups. It welcomed Somali groups who had come to London. It also ran health projects, clubs for older people, and art workshops. The beautiful chapel on the third floor was restored in 1997. In 2003, a new arts center opened. It has a gallery, a theatre, and a dance studio.
What Oxford House Does Today
Today, Oxford House is a busy arts, community, and heritage center. Its main goal is to help build a friendly and creative community in Bethnal Green. It wants to be an inspiring and diverse space for everyone.
Oxford House does this by being:
- A community space with a café, affordable workspaces, and rooms to rent.
- A creative place with classes and activities. These happen in the theatre, dance studio, gallery, chapel, and on the roof terrace.
- A place to volunteer. Volunteering helps people learn new skills and supports community life.
They have weekly activities for young people, families, and older people. They work with groups like Young and Talented School of Stage and Screen, Green Candle Dance, and Grace and Poise Academy.
Oxford House has a theatre with 130 seats, a dance studio, a café, and an art gallery. They also have many meeting rooms that people can rent.
People Connected to Oxford House
Many interesting people have been involved with Oxford House over the years:
- Arthur Foley Winnington-Ingram – A Bishop of London.
- Lord Hugh Richard Heathcote Gascoyne-Cecil, 1st Baron Quickswood – He was in charge of Oxford House for many years.
- Revd William Archibald Spooner – An Oxford professor.
- Hugh Richard "Dick" Lawrie Sheppard – He started the Peace Pledge Union.
- Frederic Thesiger, 1st Viscount Chelmsford – A British statesman.
- A. J. Webbe – A cricket captain.
- Dame Ngaio Marsh – A famous author.
- David Gawen Champernowne – An economist and mathematician.
- Guy Clutton-Brock and Molly Clutton-Brock – They led Oxford House during World War II.
- John Raven – A scholar and botanist who volunteered during the war.
- Sir Wyndham Deedes – A Brigadier General.
- Roland Philipps – He helped start the Boy Scouts in Bethnal Green.
- Henry Scott Holland – A professor at Oxford University.
- Peter Goldsmith, Baron Goldsmith – A former Attorney General.
- Sir Rhodes Boyson – A Member of Parliament.
- Alan Jarvis – He was Head of the Settlement and later director of the National Gallery of Canada.
- A. P. Herbert – A humorist, author, and MP.
- David Kynaston – An English historian who volunteered there.
- Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement – This group had offices at Oxford House.
- Eddie Marsan – An actor from East London who went to the youth club.
- Jah Wobble – A musician from East London who went to the youth club.
