<P> By 1866 there were 51 certified reform schools in England and 14 in Scotland, but this had declined to 43 in 1913, while certified industrial schools had become more popular moving from 50 in 1866 to 132 (residential) and 21 (dayschools) in 1913 . </P> <P> Earlier initiatives began in 1756 with the founding of the Marine Society "for the purpose of clothing landsman and boys for the use of the king's ship, and as an expedient to provide for poor boys who might become a nuisance ." In 1788, the Philanthropic Society was set up and opened an institution at St. George's Fields, Southwark, "for the protection of poor children, and the offsprings of convicted felons; and for the reformation of those who have themselves been engaged in criminal practices ." </P> <P> The regime was strict but fair and humane within the context of the times . Good behaviour was rewarded and poor behaviour punished . Punishment followed rule - breaking and rewards followed compliance . The rules were clear and transparent . The morality was simple and this would provide some security as children . </P> <P> Similarly, normal living conditions for the urban poor involved overcrowded multiple occupancy in buildings with no mains drainage where diseases were rife . With no health care available - or affordable there was a high death rate amongst the malnourished children . In the reformatory there was simple regular food, the conditions were clean and medical care was available . In addition they were given free education and some training in a skill that would be marketable when they had finished their time . The success rate was high . </P>

The two main contributions of the reformatory era were