HISTORY

The Manor Gardens Welfare Trust was founded by volunteers in 1913 and the buildings making up the Manor Gardens Centre were originally purchased to form a ’school for mothers’. Its purpose was to offer less privileged mothers advice and support in healthy methods of childcare, at a time when many babies died before their first birthday. In Islington, the infant mortality rate was over 10%.

From the start, the emphasis was on education and self help. Services soon expanded to include dentistry, an eye clinic and keep fit classes. Sunlight treatment for rickets was seen as an invaluable service, as most local people lived in overcrowded homes.

When the NHS has was established after World War II, the charity retained its independence and worked in partnership with the new service. Over the years additional services were introduced, including family planning, marriage guidance counselling and health visitors.

The NHS remained a Tenant Group at the Centre and is currently providing access to psychological therapies at the site.

Manor Gardens Centre archives are held on loan by London Metropolitan Archive. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma