This institution was commenced in , upon a plan suggested by Mr. Robert Young, and patronized by the duke of Leeds, and many other noble personages. It was formed for the prevention of crime, and the reform of criminal poor, by encouragement of industry, and the culture of good morals among those children who were training up to vicious courses and public plunder, the offspring of convicted felons, &c. The society opened a house at Cambridge-heath, Hackney, but soon afterwards removed to fields, the city having granted a lease of a piece of ground, on which spacious and commodious buildings were immediately erected. The advantage of opening a chapel for performance of divine service had been so fully proved in the case of other charitable foundations, that in the governors built ; but here an opposition arose, which had nearly overset the plan, and that from a quarter from which it was least to be expected; Mr. Brand, the then rector of St.

George's parish, insisted on having the appointment of the chaplain.

It is well known that however respectable the character of a clergyman may he, if he has not the talent of addressing a large audience in an impressive manner, his discourse would not answer the purpose of such an institution as this: the governors therefore thought it necessary that they should have the nomination. They were encouraged to apply to parliament for an incorporation, and in the proposed act was a clause empowering them to appoint the chaplain, giving notice to the rector. The rector opposed the bill to the utmost of his power; and after it had passed the commons, he contended against it in the house of lords; and so indefatigable was he, that at last it was carried by a majority of vote only. By this means the opening of the chapel was delayed for months, to the loss of nearly to the charity, besides the expense occasioned by the contest. It was at length opened in .

The chapel cost , it is a neat structure of brick, in the carpenter's Gothic style.

In this institution upwards of children are rescued from prison, the retreat of villainy, or the haunts of prostitution.

For the employment of the boys (who are appropriately classed), buildings are erected, in which, under the direction of master workmen, various trades are carried on for the society's benefit; while the girls are instructed to work at their needle, and in those household offices which may render them serviceable to the community, and enable them to obtain an honest livelihood. The whole number of children of both sexes, that have been received by the society, amounts to upwards of ; among whom were many, old in iniquity, though young in years. The

Reform

At the southern termination of this parish are