Between 1869 and 1939, over 100,000 orphaned, abandoned, and impoverished children, known as British Home Children, were sent from the British Isles to Canada through the child emigration movement. More than 50 churches and charitable organizations, including Barnardo, Quarriers, Middlemore, Rye, Fegan, Macpherson, the Salvation Army, and the Church of England Waifs and Strays, arranged for children aged 1 to 18 to emigrate.
These children were placed with Canadian families to work as farm labourers or domestic servants, often after staying in distributing homes like Fairknowe in Brockville. While many faced hardship and abuse, others found better opportunities, and thousands later served in the Canadian and British Forces during both World Wars.
Today, it is estimated that over 4 million Canadians, or about 12% of the population, are descendants of British Home Children. Records preserved at Library and Archives Canada include passenger lists, immigration files, inspection reports, and more.
Ongoing efforts by volunteers, including members of the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) , are making these records more accessible, enabling descendants to explore their heritage and honour the lives of British Home Children.
In 2011 the Ontario Government proclaimed September 28th ‘British Home Child Day’ in Ontario, “to recognize and honour the contributions of the British Home Children who established roots in Ontario.” The then Member of Provincial Parliament for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, Jim Brownell, had worked tirelessly to ensure that the legacy of these children would be remembered in Ontario for generations to come. Throughout Ontario, events take place annually to commemorate British Home Child Day.
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Explore upcoming events hosted by the BHC SIG. Stay informed, get involved, and connect with fellow researchers.
The Home Children Scheme
08/04/2026 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm –
An overview of the BHC Scheme followed by an in-depth look at a Barnardos child
Finding the Children Who Went to Canada
13/05/2026 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm –
A look at records in local Scottish Archives that can lead you to learn more about your Scottish BHC
A collection of research sites, archives, and genealogy links related to British Home Children in Canada and Ontario.
Canadian Resources
British Home Children in Ontario
Genealogy Sites for Home Children
Explore a curated list of books and publications offering deeper insights into the history and legacy of British Home Children.
A comprehensive draft report detailing the historical significance and conservation appraisal of the Quarriers Village in Scotland, one of the key organizations involved in the British Home Child migration scheme.
Explore the rich history of Quarriers Village through this self-guided walking tour, featuring detailed stories, historic buildings, and the legacy of child migration.
The BHC SIG would like extend a sincere thank you to the Wellington Branch of Ontario Ancestors for allowing us to share this document Sending Organizations and Receiving Homes on our website.
Stay informed with recordings of our most recent genealogy webinars, available exclusively to British Home Child Group members.
April 2026
An overview of the BHC Scheme followed by an in-depth look at a Barnardos child
April 2026
An overview of the BHC Scheme followed by an in-depth look at a Barnardos child
January 2026
A look at the lives of the children on Middlemore Homes
October 2025
In this talk, Val Hart will give us a history of the Middlemore homes and the children who ultimately left Middlemore to come to Canada.
April 2025
Follow the journey of the Clark brothers, British Home Children sent from Quarriers in Scotland to Eastern Ontario. In this session, Gloria F. shares her research process, discoveries, and insights into tracing their lives and legacy in Canada
February 2025
In this presentation, Sue Lambeth introduces key resources offered by the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa (BIFHSGO) for researching British Home Children.
June 2024
Presented by David F. Hemmings, this webinar explores the immigration experiences and lives of British Home Children in Canada. Drawing from years of research, public talks, and his extensive online database of 8,500 children, Hemmings shares insights into their journeys, hardships, and legacies.
March 2024
Christine Woodcock shares the history of child emigration to Canada, highlighting the efforts of early reformers, philanthropists, and the institutions that shaped the lives of British Home Children.
April 2023
In this heartfelt session, Dianna Fulton shares her personal connection to the British Home Children while helping attendees understand who these children were and how to begin their own research. Through historical context, emotional insight, and practical tips, Dianna sheds light on this often-overlooked chapter of Canadian history.
March 2023
Carol Newall spent ten years researching her grandmother, Winnie Cooper, a British Home Child who arrived in Canada in 1911 aboard the SS Sicilian with around 400 other children. In her biography Outside the Gate, Carol explores Winnie’s story, her connection to Wellington County, and the research behind the book.
Access a growing collection of resources and materials, available exclusively to British Home Child Group members.