3-071-055 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sword dance of boys of the Royal Caledonian Asylum at Westbrook Park, Godalming, 1881. 'The children of Scottish soldiers, sailors, and marines who have died or become disabled in the public service, and the children of indigent Scottish parents in London not receiving poor-law relief, are the objects of this patriotic and charitable institution...The well-known building, in the Caledonian-road, Islington, affords good accommodation for 126 boys and girls, and for the matron, schoolmaster and schoolmistress, sergeant and piper, with convenient school-rooms and playgrounds. Sir Charles R. McGrigor, Bart., treasurer to the institution, the other day kindly entertained all the children at his seat, Westbrook Park, New Godalming, in Surrey. Our Illustration of this pleasing subject represents the sword-dance performed in Highland fashion by two of the boys of the Royal Caledonian Asylum School. They have not lost their national agility in the course of an education received in London, though it is denied to these youngsters, for the present, to tread their native heather; but we have no doubt they have been taught to do well, and to maintain the honour of their country, as so many good Scotchmen do, in all parts of the world'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.