Search underway for descendants of first children taken into care
Dating back to 1869, photos of the children have been released in the hope that they will be recognised
Pictures of the first children taken into care
Show all 30Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
A nationwide search is underway to find the descendants of some of the earliest children to be taken into care homes.
Historic pictures dating back to 1869 have been released in the hope that descendants may recognise an previously unknown link in their family history.
The children pictured were all taken into care by National Children’s Homes – now the charity Action for Children – to avoid being condemned to the workhouse or a life on the streets.
A spokesperson for the charity told The Independent that the search was going well so far, with three descendants already identified and another 50 currently being reviewed.
Chris Barned from east London was fascinated to find that he is the great-great grandson of George Oliver, who was the first child to be taken into care back in 1869 when he was found living under railway arches by Waterloo Station in London.
“There’s a strong family resemblance between George and my Dad which has been incredible to see,” says Mr Barned.
“I’m very proud to find out about his story and to know that he went on to live a long and happy life.”
If any of the children featured in the gallery above look familiar, Action for Children encourages you to get in touch by email at 150@actionforchildren.org.uk
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments