It was founded by local landowner Charles Young in 1886, with buildings designed by the architect William Howard Seth-Smith.

He put his faith into practice by establishing it as a place where boys with a boarding need could be educated and prepared for life.

It had a farm, a wide range of workshops, a school building, a chapel, a sanatorium and various boarding houses.

Young ensured that every Kingham boy learned their ‘letters’, gained a trade and could understand the Christian faith.

On leaving they could progress to accommodation and opportunities in London or emigrate to a farm Young owned in Canada and make their life in the New World.