ABSTRACT
Thomas John Barnardo (1845–1905) founded what became Dr Barnardo’s Homes in the East End of London in 1868. Barnardo was a relentless promoter of his cause, publishing in periodical and pamphlet form, and innovating with consumer-based modes of donating, notably selling photographs of rescued children. Barnardo’s inclusion of testimonials at the end of this pamphlet, exclusively from bishops, lent crucial legitimacy to his initiative in a context where, from the 1870s, he had increasingly become mired in litigation and criticism about his welfare and financial practices. The story echoes many of the scandals that surrounded Barnardo in the latter 1880s. In 1888, Barnardo had been prosecuted by three mothers for the restoration of children to their custody. Barnardo had refused, declaring that the women were unfit parents and his ‘abduction’ of their children for a greater good was justified.
