🇬🇧 The Ragged School Museum: A Hidden Gem You’ve Never Heard Of

This place was once a Victorian-era school for the poor. In 1877, the philanthropist Thomas Barnardo founded this school to provide free education, food, and shelter for impoverished children in East London. It closed in 1908 as public schools became more widespread. 🏛️ The museum has three floors. The 1️⃣ first floor introduces the historical background and displays some old artifacts. The 2️⃣ second floor is a classroom reconstruction from that time, with excellent natural lighting. There’s a portrait of Queen Victoria and a map hanging on the blackboard, and the desks are old and ink-stained, like veterans of many lessons. 📚 Heading up to the 3️⃣ third floor, you’ll find Clarisse d’Arcimoles’ immersive installation, *Forgotten Tale*. It brings to life a 1902 black-and-white photograph of a poor East London family. The image shows a mother making combs, with six children sitting around her in a heartwarming scene. 🖼️ ☕️ In the basement, there’s a café, and just outside is a canal. ⏰ Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. 🎫 Admission is £5. #WhereToGoInLondon #LondonLife #OffTheBeatenPath #MustVisitMuseum #MuseumExploration