Appendix A - Elementary Schools in Bedford from 1720 to the Education Act of 1902

Summary

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN BEDFORD FROM 1720 TO THE EDUCATION ACT OF 1902, giving principal teachers and dates where known.

1720 School for 20 pupils from St. Paul’s and St. Cuthbert’s Parishes.

1727 LEITH’s CHARITY SCHOOL - probably a continuation of the above.

In the nineteenth century held in Well Street.

Master from at least 1828 to 1850 Thomas Lovelidge.

Closed 1850-6.

1760 NEWTON’s CHARITY SCHOOL: ended as a separate school in 1815.

(1773 THE HOSPITAL (Harpur Trust): very little concerned with teaching after 1815; closed 1874.)

1815 GENERAL PREPARATORY SCHOOL (Harpur Trust): after 1874 Boys’ Elementary. At first held in rooms in the Shire Hall; moved to its own premises in January 1818.

Mr. Furze 1815-31

Mr. Riley 1831-69

Mr. Bannister 1869-74

Mr. Bates 1875-1911

1817 GIRLS’ SCHOOL (Harpur Trust): Closed 1831

Miss Smith 1817-31

1836 GIRLS’ SCHOOL (Harpur Trust): after 1874 Girls’ Elementary.

Miss Poole 1836

Mrs. Furze 1837-60

Miss Mitchell 1860-99

Miss Etchells 1900-

1839 INFANTS’ SCHOOL (Harpur Trust): Mr. Jagg 1839-68.

At fiist part of the Harpur Schools complex bounded by Horne Lane, Harpur Street and Well Street, but because of pressure of space had to occupy various buildings, ending up at Matthews’ Chapel. Closed by the Harpur Trust in 1868, but continued privately by Mr. Jagg until 1872.

1864 HAWES STREET (Private) : 1864 is the earliest reference in the Returns of the Committee of Council on Education. Taken over by the Harpur Trust in 1874. Closed 1878.

Miss E. A. Lanham 1869

Miss Fitzgerald 1876-8.

1867 BRERETON ROAD (Roman Catholic)

Miss M. Parkes at least 1869-74

Closed 1874.

1874 CHURCH STREET (Roman Catholic)

Miss C. O’Keefe 1875-7. Miss M. Parkes (infants) 1874-at least 1879

Closed 1885-89

Miss L. Leary 1890-at least 1891

Miss R. Grenham 1894 (Given as a Sunday School)

Miss M. Foley at least 1897-8.

1876 ST. PETER’s MISSION SCHOOL (Church of England)

Probably only a temporary school until St. Paul’s was built.

1876 PRIMITIVE METHODIST SCHOOL: only one reference found to this school.

Accommodation for 40.

1876 ROISE STREET (Church of England)

Mr. P. Passmore 1876-7

Taken over by the Harpur Trust in 1878.

Miss Cooper 1878-80

Moved to HORNE LANE in 1880.