Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest tube and DLR station?

They are Mile End Tube and Limehouse DLR. Please see our directions page for additional information.

Which buses run by the Museum?

These buses pass by: 25, 277, D6, D7, 339, 309, 323. Please see our directions page for additional information.

Are there any other museums or galleries near you? What else is there to do in Mile End/Tower Hamlets?

boy writing on slate boardWe have a page of suggested nearby museums, eateries, and attractions. Some museums you might like to visit include:

What is the entry fee?

Free entry. Fees apply for schools and group bookings; and a recommended donation is in place for attending our Victorian Lesson during the Sunday Open House.

Can I donate an object to the museum?

If you have an object which relates to the history of the East End of London or the Free School movement, please view this page for more information and then contact the Director if you’re interesting in donating it to the Museum.

When are you open?

We are open to School and Group bookings Monday-Friday and to general visitors each Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-5pm and the first Sunday of the month from 2pm-5pm.

Is there disabled access?

Full access on the Ground Floor only (we are a listed four-storey Victorian warehouse with no lift). Please call to discuss your access needs.

Are you the Ragged School Art and Photography Centre in South London?

No – please contact them directly on 020 7403 1316 or visit their website at www.theraggedschool.com.

Is there parking available?

Limited pay and display, disabled and coach parking is available on Copperfield Road. You are advised to take public transport to the Museum.

I have relatives that attended a Ragged School – how do I find out more about them?

Contact the local history library in the borough where your relatives lived. They will be able to help you with your search as they hold the admissions registers from the local schools in their area.

If your relatives attended one of Barnardo’s Free Schools, contact Barnardo’s archives in Barkingside as they still hold these records. www.barnardos.org.uk

How do I find out more about researching my family history?

The best starting point for historians researching the local area is the Tower Hamlets Local History Archive Service. You can contact them through their website or by phone: 020 7364 1290 or 020 7364 1289.

Many other boroughs have their own local history service which serve the same purpose. The London Metropolitan Archives in Clerkenwell also hold a significant collection which may be of use to you in a family history search. View their website.

The East of London Family History Society is also a great place to start your search.

Have you got a number for Barnardo's?

You can contact Barnardos’ archive and library service at their Barkingside offices at 020 8550 8822 or via www.barnardos.org.uk

How can I book a school visit?

If you’d like to book a trip for your school, please contact our schools team on 020 8980 6405 or via
schoolsraggedschoolmuseum.org.uk. However, we recommend that you first review the information on our schools pages for information about our schools activities.

When do you hold Victorian Lessons for the general public?

On the first Sunday of every month we are open from 2pm-5pm and hold a Victorian Lesson at 2.15pm & 3.30pm. Bookings are not required.

I would like to volunteer for you; whom do I contact about that?

Please see our volunteering page and if you remain interested in volunteering with us, contact the Museum’s Director on 020 8980 6405 for a chat.

Do you have a shop/café?

Yes, we have a canalside café which serves drinks and light snacks when the museum is open to the public. Families are also welcome to bring their own meals to eat in the café.

The Museum shop offers visitors a number of books, teaching resources, toys, and memorabilia about the Victorian era, the history of education in Britain and about the East End of London.