One sunny Sunday I headed to London’s East End to have a look around the Ragged School Museum. It is open on the first Sunday afternoon of every month for anyone to visit, and for school groups at varying points during the week. The building, and those adjoining, was once the largest free or ‘ragged’ school in London, and was founded by Thomas Barnardo, now famous for the children’s charity that bears his name.
It is possible to have a ‘lesson’ in the school’s Victorian classroom, but I left that to the kids, and looked over the rest of the museum instead. It has a very interesting display on East End history, as well as information about the school and Barnardo himself. There is also a Victorian kitchen at the top of the building.
This interesting little museum is definitely worth a visit. It would be ideal with children, but there is enough to see for adults, too.
FACTS
Address: 46-50 Copperfield Rd, London, E3 4RR
Website: raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk
Opening Hours: Wed-Thurs 10am-5pm; 2pm-5pm first Sunday of each month
Prices: Free