Royal Albert Orphanage & YMCA Traditional Cache

This cache celebrates one of Worcester's, and St John's, finest (and probably most underrated/undiscovered) examples of 19th century gothic architecture. Enabled by a sizeable donation from local philanthropist and industrialist Richard Padmore, the building took form in 1868 as the Royal Albert Orphanage. After nearly 90 years of facilitating the upbringing, pastoral care, education and general development of generations of the counties' young people (and providing them a rigorous programme of moral, industrious and physical activities), the orphanage closed in the 1950s. After several years the facilities reopened as a YMCA, at first catering for the local itinerant, post-war, working community, then later for many of the city's working class inhabitants. Today the building continues much that same important function and is a respected and valuable community service provider.Located in an area we have come to know and love, this is our first cache in the local area (and we think the first of many more). We hope our fellow geo-cachers enjoy this find, the area and a fine addition to the local history scene.