George Müller (27th September 1805 - 10th March 1898)

With so many children in one city street, there were some problems. Neighbours complained about the noise at playtime and this lasted a long time since the one playground was only large enough to be used by the children from one home at a time. Occasionally the drains became overloaded, and the water supplies were inadequate. Müller also began to dream of open spaces with clean, fresh air and walks for the children, of gardens where the boys could grow crops and girls could hang out the mountains of laundry.

A Christian architect in London offered to draw up plans and oversee the building, free of charge. The whole cost of building and furnishing was expected to cost £14,500 and, by July 1847, enough had been given for the work to start.

It is difficult to imagine the excitement of the orphans in June 1849 when they moved from a crowded inner city street to the fields and open spaces of their new home, to enjoy bird songs and wonderful views - all new to them. New applications were received daily and, within a year, all 300 places were filled and a waiting list was started.

Müller heard of an official report which estimated that there were 6,000 orphans living in the country’s prisons and he determined to do all he could to help. He started to pray about further buildings. By the time No 2 House was built to hold 400 orphans (November 1857), there were already 600 on the waiting list. After years of daily prayer in which he saw the number and size of gifts increase and the waiting list grow, three more buildings were added. By January, 1870, the Homes were caring for 2,000 orphans and about 200 staff who looked after them.

From very small beginnings 25 years before, Müller and his staff now relied upon God to provide over £30,000 each year - a huge sum of money at that time.