Pembroke House has a long history and was founded by students from Pembroke College, Cambridge University, in 1885 as part of the wider settlement and mission movement. Shocked by growing poverty and inequality, the pioneers of the settlement movement sought a new approach: taking up residence to live, work and solve problems alongside local communities. They did this in Walworth, South East London in a house with space for social and educational activities and a small chapel for public worship (now the Parish Church of St Christopher’s, Walworth). This saw a close combination between social and community work and parish ministry – with a central role for residential volunteers.

The chapel and associated mission district became the parish church of St Christopher’s Walworth and fulfils the Christian objective of the charity, with an explicitly Christian purpose of mission and ministry. Mother Ellen Eames is the Vicar of St Christopher’s Church and maintains a position as the Warden of Pembroke House. 

Pembroke House’s wider social programmes and staff team, on the other hand, are open to all faiths and none, and are focused on community building and engagement in the diverse neighbourhood of Walworth.

To find out more about St Christopher’s, Walworth please click here.

To find out more about our history and the history of the settlement movement, please click here.