Ragged Schools Union

"Ragged Schools" were charity schools for the children of the poor. In 1844 the Ragged Schools Union was established to combine resources and ensure the better effectiveness of the Ragged Schools. Under the Poor Law Act of 1834 Boards of Guardians were empowered to assist paupers to emigrate to one of the colonies of the British Empire, such as Australia or Canada, which were considered underpopulated.