London. A Social Centre

Royal backing for a progressive social settlement in Walworth, as the future King George VI helps launch a fundraising drive

The Robert Browning Settlement was more than a social centre. Like Toynbee Hall, it was part of a progressive experiment to remove boundaries between the rich and poor, bringing healthcare and education into poor urban areas through volunteer settlements. Such causes are not often associated with royalty, but the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York (later George VI and Queen Elizabeth) was used to launch a much-needed fundraising campaign.