Norwood Jewish Orphanage

From Virtual Norwood

In 1877 the Jews' Hospital amalgamated with the Jews' Orphan Asylum and formed the Jews' Hospital and Orphan Asylum. On 6 June 1861 Sir Anthony Rothschild laid the foundation stone for a three-storey red brick and stone building in Wolfington Road, West Norwood, SE27. The new institution included a hospital, an orphanage, a small synagogue and a school.

In 1928 it was renamed as Norwood Jewish Orphanage. During WW2 the children were evacuated to the countryside and the buildings were used by the London Fire Brigade. The gateway facing Knights Hill was demolished for improved access by fire engines. At the end of the war there was a big party held at the orphanage.

In 1956 it changed its name again to the Norwood Home for Jewish Children. The Norwood Jewish Orphanage eventually became known simply as Norwood.

The main orphanage building was eventually demolished in 1961, but part of the several buildings and grounds and Norwood Hall still remain. The work of the orphanage is still carried on via the Ravenswood organisation and there is a newsletter run by old scholars.

[edit] External Links

• Virtual Norwood Forum - recollections from former residents
• Exploring 20th Century London
• Norwood - a Jewish, not-for-profit organisation providing help for children and their families facing social difficulties and children and adults with learning disabilities
• Wikipedia - Norwood (charity)

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