DIDDEN, FrancisGeorge(1858-1912)

1891census
William Street, Woolwich {Polytechnic Building

FrancisGeorge working in the Arsenal as a Engineers Fitter aged 33

by 1901census 205 Burrage Road, Plumstead

by 1911census 101 Powis Street, Wookwich as a Bank Manager

CarolineE (wife); FrancisGJ (son);

Died: 1912.05.09

Buried: 16th May Plumstead Cemetry

Probate: to GeorgeWilliam DEWAR fitter 
un edited
An early student at the Royal Polytechnic Institution at Regent Street was Francis (Frank) Didden. In 1884 Didden moved to Woolwich to take up a job as a fitter at the Royal Arsenal. He also had a burning ambition to set up a Polytechnic in the Woolwich.

In 1884 Woolwich had a population of about 34,000 people, many of whom were employed as engineers at the Royal Arsenal, or the other large factories in the area. Despite its industries Woolwich had many slums, drunkenness was widespread, and many jobs offered little or no real security. For many people a lack of education and dissolute habits prevented them from "getting on". Didden saw a polytechnic as a way forward, and in 1886 he asked Hogg for support. Hogg’s reply is illuminating.

　

"You certainly require, as a minimum, a gymnasium, a few class rooms, a reading room and a coffee bar, besides some small hall where meetings can be held."

Didden campaigned passionately, and in 1890 T.A. Denny, a Woolwich bacon merchant, provided most of the £1,000 needed to buy a house in William Street, (now Calderwood Street). Woolwich Polytechnic had its foundation. It grew rapidly. In 1891 it offered 38 courses to 504 students. In 1892 there were 80 courses offered to nearly 800 students. True to Hogg’s model, Didden ensured that there was a very strong sporting and social side to attract and reform the habits of members.

wiki

Woolwich Polytechnic founded a number of day schools and junior technical schools,
1912   Woolwich Polytechnic Junior Technical School for Boys.
1956   London County Council- Woolwich Polytechnic Boys School.

https://polygateway.woolwichpoly.greenwich.sch.uk/about%20us/ourhistory/default.aspx

1974  Poly was reorganised as a six-form entry comprehensive school spread over two sites. 

MacBean Street,

Woolwich Central School in Sandy Hill Road.

 

1997 Technology College.

1999 moved to the current site in Thamesmead.

updated
2013.02.25