Group    From 1867  To 1930

Metropolitan Asylums Board

Categories: Social Welfare

A campaign by Florence Nightingale and Edwin Chadwick led to the establishment of this board. It dealt with London's sick poor (but excluding those in Penge, for some reason), those with infectious diseases and those termed 'imbeciles'. Previously these cases were looked after in the workhouse infirmaries.  In 1930 its functions were taken over by the LCC by which time it had set up about 40 institutions. The full story is told here.

Our picture shows the magnificent 1900 Board's Head Office designed by E. T. Hall. It was on Victoria Embankment at the corner with Carmelite Street but had been demolished by the 1990s when post-modern offices were put up for the Daily Mail. Recently (2014) a block of quite stunning flatness has been erected.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Metropolitan Asylums Board

Commemorated ati

Stepney Green tower

The door is on the north-west face. Our picture shows the relief "Benevolenc...

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Other Subjects

Agnes Cotton

Agnes Cotton

Social reformer and philanthropist. Youngest daughter of William Cotton, remained unmarried. Opened a Home for Friendless Girls in 1865, at Forest Glade, in Whipp's Cross Road.  Then 1876, she boug...

Person, Philanthropy, Social Welfare

1 memorial
George Godwin

George Godwin

Architect, journalist and social reformer. Editor of "The Builder". Honorary Secretary to the Executive Committee for the Great Exhibition Memorial. Born in Brompton Terrace, Kensington. Died at h...

Person, Architecture, Journalism / Publishing, Social Welfare

2 memorials
Margaret Mellor

Margaret Mellor

As a Waterloo resident Margaret worked from about 1972 on community planning in Waterloo.  Her main aims have been to increase social housing for families and green open space for everyone.  She co...

Person, Gardens / Agriculture, Social Welfare

1 memorial
Eleanor Rathbone

Eleanor Rathbone

Politician and social reformer. Born Eleanor Florence Rathbone at 14 Prince's Gardens, according to the ODNB, our trusted source; others say Liverpool. She made an extensive study of the position o...

Person, Politics & Administration, Social Welfare

2 memorials
Wilfred Lawson Sir

Wilfred Lawson Sir

Radical, MP and temperance advocate, nicknamed "Dry Wilf". Second Baronet of Brayton.Member of Parliament for Carlisle, Cockermouth, Camborne, 1859-1906. President of the United Kingdom Alliance...

Person, Food & Drink, Politics & Administration, Social Welfare

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Lewisham pump

Lewisham pump

SE13, Lewisham High Street

{On the plaque:} This pump was made by George Turner of Dorset Street, Fleet Street in the 1830's and erected, it is thought, for the res...

3 subjects commemorated, 2 creators
Sir Richard Westmacott

Sir Richard Westmacott

Sculptor. Born Grosvenor Square. One of the Commissioners for the Great Exhibition. His son, with the same name was also a successful sculptor.  Died at home at 14 South Audley Street.

Person, Sculpture

10 memorials
A. S. Smith

A. S. Smith

Student of Trinity College of Music, killed in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces, Music / songs

War dead, WW1
1 memorial
Jan Verbruggen

Jan Verbruggen

Master gun-founder and artist. Born at Enkhuizen in the Netherlands. After an unsuccessful attempt in 1763, he and his son Pieter were appointed master founders at the Royal Arsenal Woolwich in 177...

Person, Art, Engineering, Netherlands

2 memorials
Rflm. P. Schratsky
War dead, WW1
1 memorial