Find your ancestors in Register of Boys arrived in Toronto House of Industry, 1858-1864

What can these records tell me?

Included in this record set are the Register of Boys Arrived in Toronto House of Industry from England 1858-1864 and Index of Boys Arrived at the House of Industry from England 1858 – 1861.

Within the records, you might find information including

• First name
• Last name(s)
• Age
• Denomination
• Year of leaving
• Date of leaving
• Party engaged with
• Notes

Discover more about these records

The Toronto House of Industry was established in 1837 in an unused courthouse. It was established in response to the system of workhouses that had been established in the United Kingdom. A group of reformers and dissenters, fearing that a similar system would be established in Toronto, wanted a more humane alternative. It was a place to provide lodging and food for those in the community who needed it – elderly, infirm – and they would help with chores. The House was also opened to orphaned children, including those sent from England. Many were then placed in homes and farms.