British and American Ada Leigh Homes and Hostels in Paris

The Association of the Mission Homes for English and American Women in Paris, later known (from 1924) as the British and American Ada Leigh Homes and Hostels in Paris, were set up by Miss Ada Leigh (Mrs Travers Lewis) in 1876. The aims of the Association were to provide homes, free of charge, for women and children of, and connected with, the United Kingdom and its colonies, and the United States of America. The first hostel was at 77 Avenue Wagram, Paris, with others later being provided at Bineau Avenue and Washington House, Rue de Milan. The Association also built an Anglican church called Christchurch at Neuilly-sur-Seine, and actively promoted Anglicanism. During the German occupation of Paris during World War Two, Ada Leigh Homes was forced to cease operations, the Chaplain fled to Britain and the hostels were closed. After the war, activities were resumed, though on a smaller scale.