Marylebone Project History

Wilson Carlile founded Church Army in 1882 with a vision of transforming human lives, to bring change to communities, and to make the world a better place. For 128 years Church Army has been working across the UK and Ireland to alleviate people from poverty, addictions and homelessness. The first rescue centre was opened on the Marylebone site in 1889 to help house the needy found by the trainees of its Women’s Training College. This founded the official beginning of the Church Army Women’s Social Work with the opening of the first laundry home in Marylebone Road in 1891.

Portman House was taken over by Church Army in 1931, and a purpose built “commodious lodging house” for young women, now known as Elgood House, was added in 1937.

At Bradbury House the Emergency Hostel was established in 1968, and upgraded in 1995 to include a much needed Mental Health Unit. A separate Day Centre is now housed in the same building.

The Portman House Trust

The Portman House Trust is a registered Charity and Registered Social Landlord formed in 1932, and whose trustees are the Board of the Church Army. It’s objectives are social and mission work amongst women and girls in the Marylebone area.

Church Army

Church Army is about sharing faith through words and action to transform lives by making Jesus famous.