Ragged School Museum facts for kids
The Ragged School Museum is a special museum in London. It helps visitors understand what life was like for children long ago. The museum opened in 1990. It is located in an old building that used to be a school. This school was called Dr Barnardo's Copperfield Road Ragged School.
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What Was a Ragged School?
A Ragged School was a free school for poor children. These schools started in the Victorian era when many families struggled. They gave basic education to children who could not afford other schools. The Copperfield Road Ragged School opened in 1877. It was in Mile End, a part of East London.
Dr Barnardo's Big School
This school was very important. It was one of the largest Ragged Schools at the time. It helped many children in the area. During weekdays, over 1,000 students attended classes. On Sundays, about 2,400 children came for Sunday school. The school taught children important skills. It also helped them learn about life.
Why Did It Close?
The school closed in 1908. By then, the government and the London County Council had opened many new schools. These new schools could take over the work of the Ragged Schools. Even after the school building closed, the team kept helping the local community. Later, the building was used as a factory.
The Museum Building Today
The museum is in three old warehouses. They are located right next to a canal on Copperfield Road. In the 1980s, these buildings were almost torn down. But local people worked hard to save them. A special group was set up in 1990 to look after the property. In 2016, the museum received a large grant. This money helped to restore and improve the buildings.
What You Can See at the Museum
The Ragged School Museum is run by volunteers. Their goal is to show how children were taught in Victorian times. They also want to share the history of the East End.
Step Back in Time
Inside the museum, you can see a recreated Victorian classroom. It looks just like it would have in the 1800s. You can imagine what it was like to be a student there. There is also a typical kitchen from an East End home around 1900. These displays help you see how people lived over a hundred years ago.
Learning About Local History
The museum also has special gallery areas. These areas teach you about the history and culture of the East End. You can learn about the people and events that shaped this part of London. The buildings of the museum are located across from Mile End Park.
