Welsh Journals

A HISTORY OF SCHOOLS IN RADNORSHIRE- THE KNIGHTON AREA Colin P.F. Hughes In 1830 the Revd Robert Morris kept a 'Free School' in Knighton and a Mrs Toldervy kept an 'Academy.'1 By 1846 a National School had been established at Bridge Street, in part of what is now known as the Old Mansion House. This school was visited by Mr Symons, one of the Education Commissioners, who reported: 'This school may and probably will improve; little can be expected in six months'. By 1865 a new purpose built National School, for Boys, Girls, and Infants was opened in Conjuror's Lane. It certainly did improve. An HMI Report for 1867 stated: 'The Infant Department has now been made a separate school under a Certificated Mistress, who was appointed at the commence- ment of the year. The instruction has been carried on fairly and the Religious Knowledge has improved; further attention to discipline is required'2. The Mistress was Miss Catherine Thomas, Certificated in the 2nd Division of the 2nd Year (her salary in 1871 was to be £ 45 pa); the HMI was Mr BJ Binns. There were about 100 Infants in attendance, with Miss Thomas being in sole charge, so that the HMI was going to suggest that the Mistress should be supported by an 'Apprentice'. 1867 started with a spell of cold weather. Miss Thomas recorded: 14 January-School reopened after the Christmas Holidays. Exceedingly severe weather-Children very cold; small attendance owing to the severity of the weather. Found the children very backward and dis- orderly. 28th January: Climate milder and children less troublesome. Endeavoured to teach the upper class to add together small numbers. Reasons for absence among these Infants included: Cattle Fair Day (13th June); Market Day (17th December 1868), when 'many children stayed away to see the poultry'. As a National School, the Church Catechism was taught and the Revd and Mrs JR Brown were frequent visitors (along with the Misses Green Price). Mrs Brown visited on 18th December 1868 and gave rewards to the best sewers and ginger- bread and raisins to the whole School. The School then broke up for the Christmas Holidays. According to the Managers' Minutes3 a new Master was appointed to the Knighton National School in 1871, in succession to Mr