The British Home Children

On October 28, 1869, 68 children stepped off the gang plank at the Port of Quebec City with hope and promises of a better life. Little did they know that they were part of a 70-year scheme to rid England's streets of waifs and strays. For some, what awaited them was a new family whom they would learn to love and cherish, and for others, it marked the beginning of a life of servitude, abuse, neglect, and utter loneliness. They are known, to very few, as the British Home Children. This essay will discuss the taboo subject of the 100,000+ British Home Children sent to Canada between the ages of 3 to 15. Some of the historical events analyzed in this essay will be taken from my great-great grandfather, George Dunseith's personal experiences. At the age of 10, he was shipped to Canada as a Bernardo's boy. Hopefully, this will encourage you to better appreciate this incredible story.