Toynbee Hall, Whitechapel, was set up by Samuel and Henrietta Barnett in 1884 as part of their efforts for social reform. It housed university students and working men together to break down social barriers and for future leaders to be raised with poverty face to face. It was hoped these experiences would inspire these young men to reform once they had reached positions of power.
Notable residents of the Hall include one of the most significant Prime Ministers of the 20th Century, Clement Atlee, and architect of the welfare state William Beveridge.
