Former home of wartime fosterers Nancy and Reginald Bingley, Caernarfon
Nancy and Reg Bingley lived here when they fostered a Jewish boy whose Austrian family was suffering Nazi oppression.
The couple came to Caernarfon in 1932 after being appointed as teachers at the grammar school. Nancy taught English and Reg mathematics, but they could also teach other subjects. Reg spoke German. They set up home at Porth Kerry, Pen y Garth.
In 1938 Jewish families seeking shelter for their children paid a shilling per word to advertise in the Guardian. The Bingleys saw this advert in the newspaper: “I seek a kind person who will educate my intelligent boy, aged 11, Viennese of a good family. Borger, 5/12 Hintzerstrasse, Vienna 3.”
They contacted Erna and Leo Borger and arranged to foster Robert Borger. Robert couldn't speak English when he came to Caernarfon but the enthusiastic teachers taught him the language. He also learned to speak a little Welsh. He flourished in school and became a noted psychologist. Erna and Leo also fled, separately, to Britain.
Robert’s son Julian is a senior journalist on the Guardian. In 2021 Julian discovered his grandparents’ 1938 newspaper advert. His research on their story was published in his book I Seek a Kind Person.
In the 1940s the Bingleys entertained some of the German soldiers who remained at the Bontnewydd prisoner of war camp for years after the war ended.
The couple adopted three children after Robert: Megan, a local child; Jimmy in 1942; and Christine in 1949. Reg did not live to see the full fruits of his kindness. He died, aged 42, in 1952 and was buried at Llanbeblig cemetery.
Soon after, Nancy moved from Caernarfon and pursued a career teaching blind children in Wandsworth, London. She died in 2006, aged 101. Her ashes were buried with Reg nine years later.
With thanks to Caernarfon Civic Society
Postcode: LL55 1EY View Location Map