Home for Smack Boys
The Home for Smack Boys was founded in 1881. It provided a safe place, food, and beds for young apprentice boys as young as 10 who worked on sailing fishing boats called smacks. Many of these boys were orphans or sent from local workhouses.
Called smack boys, they made up most of the hard-working crews on local fishing boats.
Canon Eustace Brenan, vicar of the nearby Christ Church pushed for the home to protect and support the young apprentices when they were back on land. No other fishing port in Britain had a similar dedicated building.
The building later sheltered sailors from shipwrecks, especially during World War I
The home closed down in 1915 as steam trawlers replaced the old sailing smacks.
Located right next to the Sailor’s Church. It is a Grade II listed building featuring a distinct mosaic band on the front that reads “The Ramsgate Home for Smack Boys Founded 1881”.
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CONTACT
📍Address : Military Road, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8JG