| AdminHistory | Administrative History
St. Margaret's House was founded in 1889 as a sister settlement to the Oxford House (founded in 1884) and to work particularly among women and children in Bethnal Green. It was run by a committee of Oxford women and alumnae of Cheltenham Ladies' College and was established at Mayfield House, 1-3 Old Ford Road. St. Margaret's House moved to 4, Victoria Park Square in 1893 but it soon outgrew these premises and moved to a large and rather dilapidated Georgian house, no. 21 Old Ford Road, in 1900. Further expansion took place in 1946 when the Trustees purchased no. 19 Old Ford Road.
St. Margaret's House ran a wide variety of clubs and services which were available to the population of Bethnal Green including pensioners' clubs, mothers' clubs, women's sewing groups, boys' clubs, cookery clubs and discussion groups. A day care centre and citizens advice bureau were also operated from St. Margaret's House. which continues as a community centre offering a wide range of activities and services to the local community. |