The first university settlement house. Founded by Samuel and Henrietta Barnett. It was named for their friend, Arnold Toynbee, the economic historian noted for his social commitment and desire to improve the living conditions of the working classes.
The idea was that the educated rich should live close to the poor and thus change society for the better. The Guild and School of Handicraft started life here in 1888.
Spitalfields Life have a good post about Toynbee Hall with lots of pictures. It's there we learnt that Toynbee Hall opened on Christmas Eve.
