In the year 1784, labour was introduced and the boys and girls went alternately to spinning and reading, &c. but so prejudiced were their parents against this plan, that the number of children was reduced from 480 in 1784, to 188 in 1803. At a special meeting held in 1803,
the low stale of the schools was taken into consideration; and the introduction of labour being considered as the cause of it, the abandonment of the spinning school was unanimously agreed; and the number from that time has gradually increased. From the last state of the charity, it appears that 46 boys are taught at each of the schools, making a total of 230.
Since the publication of the last state, the girls school has been established on the improved system of teaching, according to the plan of Dr. Bell, and Mr. Lancaster; and 104 girls are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and sewing, at very little more expence than formerly 40 were.—The Rev. C. J. Chapman, Treasurer.
Each of the masters have a liberal salary, including house rent and firing, and the governess of the girl’s school has similar advantages. The boys, in addition to their learning, have a coat once a year, in February, and such books as they want during their term, which is five years—the girls are suitably allowed.
In addition to the above, are various parish Sunday schools, where children of both sexes are instructed in the early rudiments of education; also a school for 48 girls, where they are taught reading, writing, sewing, and every other necessary accomplishment, in the Bull-lane, St. Stephen’s, which is under the patronage, direction, and at the entire expence of Miss Gurney. They attend church with the governess every Sunday, and in addition to their learning, &c. have each a hat, and those whose parents are unable, are furnished with
other articles of dress, to render their appearance suitable and decent.
There is also a school belonging to the Unitarians; the present master, Mr. Harwin, lives in the Rose-lane, King-street, where 50 boys and girls are educated.
The Independents and other dissenters from the church, contribute something towards the education of the children of their respective persuasions; besides, a school for the education of girls has been lately established by the dissenters, which is supported by annual collections at the different meetings. The school-room is in St. Paul’s and the number educated is 120.
Of the hospitals, there were formerly one in St. Edmund’s, for 30 boys, who were clad in blue coats and red caps, and altogether educated and maintained upon the foundation; and one for 24 girls, who where clothed in blue gowns, and educated and maintained upon the foundation. The original plan of both these institutions is entirely altered, and they are at present consolidated on the premises of the boy’s hospital, in St. Edmund’s, were 40 boys, and 31 girls are educated, and their parents allowed £10. a year for their maintenance, out of which, they pay for their education.—The present master for the boys’, Mr. Gidney, and the governess of the girls’, Mrs. Gidney.
St. Giles’ or the old Man’s Hospital, in St. Helen’s parish, was founded 1249; and was originally intended for men only; at present it maintains 53 men, and 53 women, including 6 nurses; any one before they can be admitted