Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, opening the Seamen's Orphanage, Liverpool in 1870. The Liverpool Seamen's Orphan Institution was established in order to provide care and education for the many Liverpool children who lost families at sea. A group of Liverpool merchants and shipowners funded the establishment of the orphanage in 1869, in a temporary rented building on Duke Street. In 1870 Liverpool City Council donated land next to Newsham Park and a large building was erected to house and educate the orphans. The building had separate wings for boys and girls but shared dining facilities, hospital and classrooms. All orphans were taught reading and writing. In addition girls learnt knitting and needlework and boys were instructed in carpentry. The Institution also made an agreement with the 'Indefatigable' training ship, to train boys after leaving the orphanage.