The New Schoolhouse

 

Page 58 bears a photograph of the brand-new schoolhouse, without of course a corresponding census entry.

The school log book records that the school was opened on 11th July 1870 by the Rector, Rev. T. P. Platten. There were 35 children who had previously attended a "dame’s school" - probably the one in Goslings. The pupils were reported to be backward in everything except reading.

The dimensions of the school were given as:

                School Room 25 x 16 (height 11 ft); Class Room 14 x 9 (height 12 feet).

In the following days, numbers fell off because of the harvest, the older children staying at home to look after the younger ones while their mothers were away in the fields; also, on 5th September, because there was "menagerie" in Bildestone. On 18th October, numbers were kept low when several children were present at a child’s funeral, "four of the elder girls acting as bearers". The poor child was Annie Brown, the infant daughter of John and Mary Ann, who lived at Oak Tree Cottage.

The first school inspector’s report reads as follows:

"Arithmetic is indifferent throughout. Handwriting requires attention. Reading is very creditable. The children are orderly and attentive. The school buildings are substantial and the rooms airy and cheerful. More maps and slates are required.

"My Lords have allowed an unreduced grant as this is the first year in which the school has undergone an examination. Next year however they will look for a more satisfactory report on arithmetic, or Article 32(b) will be enforced."

(There being no improvement, the grant was cut by a tenth in the following year.)

The first schoolmistress was Mrs Charlotte Elmer, who came to live with Susan Disney in Church View but was born in Earls Colne, and 20-year-old Emma Farthing was her assistant. Emma was the daughter of James and Sarah Farthing of "Listers", but was not living with them at this time. Four years later, she married groom Walter Horrex.

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