The Stepney Ever Open Door was opened by Thomas Barnardo in 1874 at No 10 Stepney Causeway. It was open all night and for many years a lamp over the doorway, with the wording 'Children's Shelter open all Night' shone brightly in the Causeway. No child was ever turned away. A bath, a comfortable bed and breakfast were always ready, and the next morning the boy or girl was turned over to the Home a few doors away. In due course the accommodation became overcrowded and Nos 8  and 6 were added to the EOD centre.

In 1933 a re-building project had been completed and the premises were re-opened on Friday 26th May 1933 and jointly dedicated by the Bishop of Stepney and the Bishop of Middleton. ' To the glory of God and the service of the children.' Two old relics were preserved, a fire place and the doorway to number 10 Stepney Causeway

The Stepney Ever Open Door was the first EOD it came about  after the death of a young lad called Carrots. In 1871 five beds had become available at No 18 Stepney Causeway that could sleep a total of 60 boys which slept in five dormitories, one boy could not be admitted and had later died. This brought about the 'Ever Open Door' at 10 Stepney Causeway. For the true story as told by Thomas Barnardo some ten years later. click here to read >>>>>>

Number 10 stayed open until 1939 when Stepney was evacuated. It never re-opened after the war.