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Tue 08 Aug 2023 |
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Louise’s presentation covered over 200 years of Shevington
School from its opening in 1814. It was funded by public
subscription for pious & useful learning. At the time it was not
compulsory for children to be educated. It wasn't until 1880
that children between 5 & 10 had to attend school. The original
1814 stone building still exists but is now 2 private houses. A
Victorian brick extension was later added and that also remains
but as a hairdressers premises. As the population of the area
increased another extension had to be built and that was
Shevington County Primary School. |
Louise Wade
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Broad o'th' Lane School |
The School archive. |
It was closed by Wigan Council in 2017
and was recently demolished in July 2023.
Louise had been given access to the
school diary and records which gave an interesting view of daily
life in Victorian times and later. In a single room the
attendance could vary dramatically. With full attendance 130
pupils would attend but this could be as low as 30.
During the schools life the leaving
age for students steadily increased.
In 1893 the leaving age was 11.
In 1899 the leaving age was 12.
In 1918 the leaving age was 14. |
The view in 2009. |
School photo 1936 |
The third school is now demolished |
The original school was opened as
Broad o'th' Lane School and founded by the vicar of Standish,
the Reverend Richard Perryn.
The building is grade 2 listed and on
the south wall is a stone plaque reading: |
This school for pious & useful
learning.
Was built by
voluntary subscription.
In the year of our
Lord 1814
R. P. R. |
The initials are thought to be Richard
Perryn Rector.
The school
records show that the standard of teaching was not always very
high and in 1898 a score of 207 was achieved out of a possible
460.
Thomas Gerrard was the first teacher from 1814 to 1854 when he
died.
Other than the 3 R’s Leisure time was included such as Swimming,
hopscotch, football, cricket, hoops, spinning tops & climbing
trees.
It is interesting to note that one
year later another similar school was established in Adlington
on The Common. That building also remains and is now two private
houses. The datestone plaque is identical except for the date
that reads 1815.
Overall a
fascinating look at life and education back through 200 years.
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Shevington Broad o'th' Lane School.
This school for pious & useful learning
Was built by
voluntary subscription.
In the year of our Lord 1814
R. P.
R. |
Adlington, The Common.
This school
for pious & useful learning
Was built by voluntary
subscription.
In the year of our Lord 1815
R. P. R. |
Adlington Old School |
Adlington Old School Lane. |
