History of youth work History of youth work The history of youth work goes back to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, which was the first time that young men left their own homes and cottage industries to migrate to the big towns. The result of this migration was an emergent youth culture in urban areas, which was responded to by the efforts of local people. In 1844 the first organisation whose sole aim was to address the needs of young men was founded. The YMCA was set up by George Williams. Williams was from London and his goal was
George Williams (priest) connection with the college but Williams retained his post until 1856. From 1854 to 1857 Williams was vice-provost of King's College, Cambridge, and in 1858 he acted as pro-proctor to the university. He was unpopular, and his nomination as proctor was rejected by the university senate on 1 October 1860, the nonplacets being 29 and the placets 26. In 1858 Williams took temporary charge of Cumbrae College in Buteshire, and was appointed an honorary canon of there in 1864. The college had been founded in 1849 by George Boyle, 6th Earl of Glasgow, a Tractarian layman. Williams made a long