The Mint & Gospel Lighthouse Mission was created in 1888, in a small building on what is now called Ayres Street. It then moved to premises on Clenham Street. However, this building was in such a poor state that The Ragged School Union and Shaftesbury Society provided them with a new building on Union Street.
This building was opened in 1907 and was set up as a charity to help disadvantaged children.
In 1840, the London City Mission used the term 'ragged' to describe the 570 children who used the five schools that they had established. The term 'ragged' referred to children who often wore ragged or worn-out clothing, no shoes or lacked the clothing to attend any other school.
In 1844, the London Ragged School Union was formed with over 20 ragged schools across the city.
These small free schools were situated in the most deprived areas and provided basic education and skills to children. However, the schools also met other community needs by introducing adult literacy classes, clothing clubs, reading clubs and Penny Banks.
In 1875, the Work Girls Protection Society was founded, housed in a building on New Kent Road. In 1899, now called the St Mary's Girls Club, they lost their New Kent Road site and leased a property at 85 Union Street. These premises were once a tin plate works.
After raising funds they purchased the building next to the mission site and constructed a new building.
In 1930, the St Mary's Girls Club merged with the Acland Club and formed the co-ed St Mary's and Acland Club.
The Ragged School 1907-1959.
The Shaftesbury Society's charitable union of The Mint & Gospel Lighthouse Mission for the guidance of ragged children in matters of cleanliness, appearance and manners thus enabling them to take up a military career, no matter how short.
St Mary's Working Girls Club 1908-1959.
A safe place for single women who, when pregnant, could see a doctor and benefit from female support for both the mothers and the children.
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