Brothers first went to England in 1876, taking charge of St. Vincent's school, Dartford, Kent.

Br. Austin Shanahan (1841-1902) and his colleagues overcame severe initial problems and several other foundations followed.

Much of the Brothers' work in England was in Approved Schools with boys who had special needs. Some were homeless or had inadequate family care and in many respects were like the boys Edmund Rice knew in Waterford.

St. Vincent's and the other schools provided the boys with a homely environment, a good general education and training in skills and trades which would enable them to gain employment and be independent.

The Brothers also engaged in secondary education, opening a college in Plymouth in 1916 and in Reading in 1931. A residence for Brothers studying at St. Mary's Training College was opened in Twickenham in 1930.

St. Vincent's, Dartford
The Brothers' first foundation in England was at Tanners' Hill, Deptford, London S.E. Br. Augustine Ryan and Br. Joseph Keogh took charge of St. Vincent's Industrial School there in 1876. The new building at DARTFORD was completed in August 1878.

Br. Augustine's health broke down and Br. Joseph left the congregation. Br. Austin Shanahan took charge in 1880. The good work done in Dartford led to the Brothers being given charge of several other Approved Schools in England.

Other Communities
Newcastle on Tyne
Carlisle
Shibden
Reading
Twickenham
Orpington
West Grinstead
Plymouth
Wymondley