Top photo shows Gwynne House
Bottom Photo shows Canada Hall

Dr Barnardo's had wanted to replicate the success of the Girls Village Home, but for boys so when Gwynne House, Woodford Bridge, Essex, a fine old building with extensive offices, surrounded by 39 acres of land was offered to Dr. Barnardo’s with an option of purchasing it within three years at a cost of £6,000. William Baker and Barnardo’s Council accepted the offer and proposed erecting a Garden City for Boys incorporating a church, playground, school, sanatorium and isolation hospital.

The aim was to accommodate 900 boys in 30 cottages, this number was never achieved. The Boys' Garden City, as it was named, was officially opened in 1909 by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Albany. As well as opening its doors to needy children, the Garden City welcomed many from Dr. Barnardo's old homes The Labour House and the large Home in Grove Road, both in the East End of London, that was well past there best.

Woodford Bridge had started in 1909 as a home for boys, but like most of the homes In 1945 it became a mixed accommodation home as did Barkingside. From 1948 it became a receiving house for children up to age 15 years. In 1949  Woodford Bridge became an Ever Open Door.

In 1913 The Woodford Bridge Garden City council elementary school was opened for boys from the local Dr. Barnardo's Home. In 1946 the boys were transferred to other Woodford schools.

Woodford Bridge finally as we knew it closed September 1977. For a map of Woodford Bridge circa 1920 Click here >>>>>

Who remembers Christmas day 1948 BBC TELEVISION 3.15pm - 4.00 Dr Barnardo's Homes, Woodford Garden City An entertainment. Don't tell me the nation watched you all eating your tea? So what was that all about.

To read a short History of Woodford Bridge Click here
Looking back with Mr. Frank Dixon Click here
To view photos of Woodford Bridge Click here