The youth Labour House at Nos. 622, 624, and 626, Commercial Road was under the competent superintendence of Mr. John Appleton. About two hundred youths were generally engaged here, their ages running from seventeen to twenty-two years, and their occupations consisting of wood-cutting, packing-case making, and the manufacture of aerated waters and temperance drinks of every description. This Labour House was worked on commercial principles, and the packing-case department was patronised by some of the largest manufacturing firms in London, whilst the aerated waters were supplied to many of the principle hotels. After a probation of nine or ten months here, the youths, who show that they are not afraid of honest hard work, are offered a place in Canada, there to win for themselves a healthy independence, and a comfortable home far from the contaminating influences of their early unhappy lives.

The youth Labour House was opened 1882 with number 626 as a Dr. Barnardo home and provided work for young men, especially going to sea and for young men emigrating. The Labour House was closed 1909 when 25 boys were moved to Gwynne House Woodford Bridge. The home had been conceived by William Baker modelled on the  Girls Village Home.