Northumberland Village Homes

"...another institution of which the North of England have every reason to be proud — the Northumberland Village Homes for the reception of Homeless and Destitute Girls. These Village Homes were instituted in 1880, as a modest experiment by Mr. James Hall. The land on which they stand being the gift of His Grace The Duke of Northumberland. Some of these fine blocks of buildings bear a tablet inscribed with the names of the donors. The first block, comprising two houses, was erected at the expense of the brothers Messrs. James and John Hall; and Mr. R. S. Donkin, M.P., and Mrs. Donkin; Mr. and Mrs. Donkin also erected another block ;Mr. John Hall also, at his sole expense, built and fitted up the last block ;while Mr. and Mrs. Donkin also purchased upwards of an acre of land for gardens immediately behind the Homes, so that the Homes are surrounded by abroad belt of land. With the munificent legacy of the late Mr. John Fleming of £2,500, a gardener's lodge and laundry buildings have been added.

These Houses consisting of five blocks, or ten houses, are founded on the family or cottage system. Each household, which is composed of from 12 to 16 members, is complete in itself with its general living room, its kitchen, larder, etc., etc. Each is ruled over by a house-mother who is responsible for the discipline and tone of the inmates. Each child, as she advances in age and becomes fit for the work, takes part in the management of the household and in the care and training of the younger children. Altogether the Whitley Homes are an example of enlightened benevolence which it would be difficult to equal at present and not possible to surpass. Of the 130 girls who are cared for in the Homes, the report by the Government Inspector was that "the general conduct during the past year was most satisfactory." It ought also to be remembered that children admitted into the Whitley Village Homes are not criminals or evil-doers, in any sense of the word, but simply destitute and deserving. The good that the Homes have accomplished cannot be estimated, but some portion of it is already known. The Institution is one of the most deserving of support in Northumberland, and is open every day except Sunday for inspection." (John Robinson, 1894)