Eastmoor Secure Unit 18th May 2009
Opening in 1857 as “Leeds Reformatory for Boys” but later becoming “Eastmoor Approved School”. Originally when it was operating as “Leeds Reformatory for Boys” a child under 14 would be sent here for ‘crimes’ such as:
- Begging
- Wandering
- Consorting with thieves
However when it began operating as “Eastmoor Approved School” and later “Eastmoor Secure Unit” it began to house criminals of a more devious nature including Jon Venables (One of Jamie Bulger’s killers)
After it was closed as a childrens home it was used as a university campus by the University of Leeds up until 2003 when a new campus was opening.
Buildings included a swimming pool, dentists, church (later used as a gym), laundry and of course staff housing.
Further Reading:
No further reading.
went to eastmoor today visiting a young offender,sentenced to 4 months,got lost and ended up at the old building,1 word spooky,i felt realy sad,wondering how sum of them kids who was in there were treated,proper sad,young kids ruined,and it did go on,no crb checks in them days,i hope the bastards who hurt these children are suffering now.
hi
just a thought to this topic, and answer to the comment of “Allan”.
i cannot speak as to earlier times, but i was there between 1961 and 1963, nearly three years in all, it was just an approved school, not a borstal or detention centre, it was all boys between the ages of 12 and 16, and they were not criminals, just bad boys, some had runaway from home, some had been sent there for care and protection, some for being expelled from school, fighting, drinking, and minor theft, in those days you got locked up, now you get a warning at the most.
there was no ill treatment to the “inmates”, it was strict if you did not toe the line, and you could earn your way out of there in eight to 10 months, some of us did not like to toe the line that much.
looking back on it now, i would love to go back there for a six month rest, compared to the real world it was a doddle.
hi
must support phill on this one, he is spot on. I was there 61-62 boys were sent there for very minor stuff in those days, certainly no abuse and probably did me the world of good as they provided proper training and even let me go to leeds college on day release courses and night school which enabled me to get a job and work continually till I retired.