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The Memorial to Dr. Thomas Barnardo was unveiled on Friday, 19th June 1908. Below is information gleaned about the memorial that stands today at Barkingside. The position of the Memorial is close to the Founder's grave that is in front of Cairns House. It was proposed to have a double line of trees leading from the Children's Church to the memorial. On a granite pedestal is placed a bronze group of three figures a gracious female figure, symbolising Charity, with her arm thrown protecting around two infants. On the front face of the pedestal is a portrait medallion of Dr. Thomas Barnardo, and at the base are seated three children in bronze, that are almost life size. The three girls were at Barkingside at the time the monument was commissioned. We know of one model, this was Emily Runcie nee Pearson she was the girl wearing a leg iron, this was showing that Thomas Barnardo did not discriminate against any child. Either side of the monument there are seats for the use of the children. Inscribed on the granite along this seat are the twin texts, on the right is carved: “in as mvch as ye did it vnto one of the least of these my brethren ye did it vnto me” To the left is carved: "svffer little children to come vnto me for of svch is the kingdom of heaven" On The base under the three girls is a section from the will of Dr. Thomas John Barnardo: “I hope to die as I have lived in the hvmble bvt assvred faith of Jesus Christ as my saviovr my master and my king” An heraldic lion and crown at the top is modelled from a crest on the ring which Dr. Barnardo was accustomed to wear. The total height of the Memorial is twenty feet, and it is a dignified, effective, and artistically proportioned work, which does prove a worthy commemoration of its honoured subject. The interment took place on the 4th October 1905 in the grounds of the Village on a spot in front of Cairns House, which in his lifetime had been indicated by Thomas. He rests amid his work. The field of battle is the warrior's worthiest grave! The sculptor, Mr. George Frampton, R A (who created the Peter Pan statue in Kensington gardens)_ was entrusted with the designing and erection of the Memorial at Barkingside which was done without a fee or reward. If you would like to see information about the funeral of Dr Thomas Barnardo click here This link will also lead to other pages regarding Thomas.
NB: Please note that the use of the letter we know as 'v' was interestingly used to represent 'u' in past inscriptions, and English, as shown on the writing on this memorial. ED. Mrs Emily Runcie nee Pearson passed away 14th April 1981 Emily was an old girl of Barkingside and became a member of staff she was married to Arthur who used to cut the boys hair. All information and photographs held within this web site are © copyright and should not be copied or shared without express permission. Please note this web site does not in any way speak for Barnardo's. Its purpose is purely for research and historical interest.
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