Petition is successful with 362 signatures
To: Herefordshire Council
Save The Old 'Boys' Home
Update 14/05/15: We won! The fire service withdrew as soon it became apparent that they were involved in a controversy. We'll be keeping an eye on the council's next moves in case they try to find another way to demolish the building.
We, the undersigned, call upon Herefordshire Council to cancel proposals to demolish the old Hereford Working Boys Home in Bath Street. The building is within a conservation area, is an important part of local history and includes the work of three of Hereford’s most characteristic Victorian architects. Demolition is opposed by both local conservation bodies and by English Heritage. The site would be used for a new fire station, despite the street being subject to heavy rush-hour congestion. We believe that a more suitable site should be sought for a new station and the existing building utilised either as housing or for the use of the new Hereford University.
Why is this important?
'The old Hereford Working Boys Home in Bath Street which gives so much visual identity to the area includes the work of three of Hereford’s most characteristic Victorian architects – George Haddon, who designed the original building, William Cheiake, who more than doubled the size of the establishment in 1885-6, and George Godsell, who made later additions including the ‘Meadows Memorial Hall’, the most recent use of which was as the local register office. The Working Boys Home was opened in 1877 for ‘orphans and other voluntary cases of boys from 9 to 14 years of age in a state of destitution, or growing up uncared for, under evil influences’. The boys were cared for, trained, and where possibly placed with employers. They were paid for their work and Post Office savings accounts were opened for each boy. In 1891 there were 109 boys aged between 9 and 15. Of these only thirteen came from Herefordshire, the rest came from all over the country, the largest number, 29 being from London. By 1904 there was accommodation for 400 boys. The Home closed in May 1933 & buildings sold to Herefordshire Council
How it will be delivered
Press conference in person if the opportunity arises.
