St Bartholomew's Home For Boys, Bowerchalke

We know very little of St Bartholomew's Home, because it was only open for nine years, and it is rarely mentioned in our records. The annual report of the Waifs and Strays' Society from 1893, tells us that it was established in that year, by the Revd E Collet. It was opened as a 'cottage home' for six younger boys, who were all aged 4-8 years old. The Home may have previously been used as a 'boarding out' home for older boys, as there is a reference to one such home in Bowerchalke.

Unfortunately there is no information on life within the Home, except for one letter to the Society in 1904. This tells us of one boy who having left the Home, was now earning a good wage as a carpenter. He had been sent to the Home 12 years previously, and Mr Collet had taken 'the kindest interest in him.'

The Home closed in 1902.