I heard that they have all the food you could ever eat, and everyone spends all day just playing games.
– Statement from an unknown child.
| Name: | Highbury’s Warehouse |
| Location: | Camden Industrial Estate (east side) |
| Type: | Shelter for homeless children. Created by homeless kids, not controlled or overseen by any authority. |
Highbury’s Warehouse is situated in the abandoned Camden Industrial Estate. Although it is referred to as a warehouse, it is made up of several large units on the east side of the estate. The warehouse is used as a shelter and home for a large group of homeless children.
The industrial estate closed several decades after the start of the Sunset Era and was one of the many victims of the National Strike Movements. Due to the continuing strikes (the 3rd National Strike started two years after its closure) there has been no interest in purchasing the site. Although, like many such locations, it is unsure who, if anyone, owns the estate.
Since the industrial estate closed (around 2233) it has been used by homeless people as a shelter and place to live. What makes Highbury’s Warehouse unique is that since around 2241 it has turned into a haven specifically for homeless children.
As a result of being exclusively children the site has turned into a mini city of its own, with an unwritten, but well-established code of conduct. An economy based around trade and barter of items, although money is still used. And a loose leadership system which is based around age, respect and mutual agreement.
Although Highbury’s Warehouse is known by the authorities and the local populace, it is not considered a priority over the economic downturn, riots and strikes. Due to this lack of priority the warehouse children haven’t been disturbed in 40+ years, leading many of the children to believe no one knows of their existence. This belief has led to a careful approach by leadership over the years, ensuring nothing happens which could draw unwanted attention to their location.
The children have developed a unique naming system based on where they lived prior to their arrival at the warehouse. This convention started in 2278 when a seven year old arrived but had no name. The leader asked her where she lived, which was Highbury. Since then, anyone without a name was given one based on where they lived. As time went on many children decided to drop their real name in favour of a nickname, although it isn’t required. Similarly, the warehouse name has changed many times over the years, often taking on the name of the de facto leader.
Although it is generally established that only children may live in the warehouse there have been many instances of children being born to existing residents. Under these special circumstances anyone who is the mother of a child and is eighteen or over is permitted to stay until their child becomes eighteen.
These adults don’t have much say in how the warehouse is run, however, they have been given a more spiritual status with the children seeing them as wise, often referring to them as mother even if unrelated. Mothers will often help look after and do schooling with the younger children and help with cooking meals for everyone.
Outside of the immediate surroundings the warehouse holds a mythical status amongst young children. Homeless children tell each other stories about the place, and it has been the goal of many to reach it. The further outside of London you go the more mythical it becomes. Some children travel hundreds of miles to London in search of it, whereas others believe it to be just a story.
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