This is a truly interesting charity. Its youthful inmates, who had otherwise remained dumb and ignorant as the beasts of the field, are, by its means, taught to make themselves understood, and with readiness to understand others; to read, write, cast accounts, &c., and to become moral and religious characters. They are besides instructed in various mechanical arts, by which, in future life, they may obtain their own subsistence. Examples of their skill in these arts are exhibited at the annual dinner, and may be witnessed by any person visiting the establishment. This institution commenced about , but the present building was erected in , and enlarged in , so as to accommodate children.

At the extent of the bounds of the borough, down the , is a small brook called St. Thomas-a-Watering. Here the corporation of London generally waited to receive any procession coming to London from France and the continent, and is another proof, if any be required, of the right of the corporation over and within the borough of .

At the south-west corner of , in the road to the Obelisk, Fields, is situated the