John H Norris
Headmaster Boys School 1863-18661863
August
21st A complaint against pupil teacher Edment Thorn of ill using William Haywood during the master’s absence. The charge is investigated, Thorn is found guilty and cautioned.September
11th. Children taken to the Bolton Flower Show.
12th. Several Boys pass full time, which much discourages the master who, mentioning the circumstance to the Rev Joseph Lowe, is strongly advised to retain their names on the register and to solicit them on the inspectors visit to present themselves for examination.
21st Boys generally dull in arithmetic, a circumstance which I attribute to the weather.October
16th Several boys in Class II, found copying in the arithmetic lesson, are publicly exposed and suspended from the class for one week.
19th Uncleanliness very noticeable: several boys returned home to wash themselves.
John Dunn an Incorrigible boy who was expelled on the 30th July is readmitted.November
6th The pupil teachers put in charge of boys in the playground to report any irregularities that may occur during the master’s absence.
9th An unusual number of boys late this morning, and the master has recourse to corporal punishment.
25th Several boys detected in doing "Home Work" before leaving school. Every boy therefore shows his slate as he passes out at the door.
26th James Heywood shows signs of insubordination: being a sensitive boy - the master speaks with him privately.
30th A Bazaar is held to liquidate a debt incurred from the building of the school.December
18th William Hurst is caned for coming to school untidy.1864
January
19th James Heywood again shows signs of insubordination and is reasoned with privately with satisfactory results.
25th Charles Kay in his desire to avoid Home Lessons leaves his slate at home and is caned.February
11th James Newsham plays truant and is punished at the request of his mother.
15th The children very tidy today and the master commend them.
16th Absentees sent after and excuses reported to the master.March
8th Boys in Class I commit to memory the nine blessings by which our Lord designates his Disciples.
18th Robert Greenhalgh insubordinate and disobedient to Pupil Teacher Edment Thorn and is remonstrated with, the master hears that this boy was formally expelled from Darcy Lever Schools.
31st The mother of one of the boys in class III complains that her child is not allowed to go out in the playground - where as in reality he has never asked. The matter is attended to.April
4th Pupil teacher Edmund Triffitt is told to teach with greater energy - as he is altogether too dull and slow in class.
14th Triffitt is ill in the afternoon and will be for more than a week; his class is taken over by a monitor.
15th Inspectors Report: The school is improving; the attainments are not as high as they should be. The writing and Arithmetic in the first class require more attention. The order is good.
Signed; Joseph Lowe, Manager.
21st James Ridley and Charles Wilkinson allege, as an excuse for not doing evening works, that their slates were broken the previous night: the master sends to their parents to ascertain the truth of this.May
13th Triffitt is being confirmed this afternoon and therefore absent from school from 2 o'clock.
17th Weather is hot the children correspondingly tiresome.
23rd Absentees sent for - and this causes a larger attendance in the afternoon, resulting in class IV being made into two divisions because so large.
26th Two boys from Class I are sent into Infant School to teach as Miss Mary Alice Seddon and Miss Martha Shippobottom are absent.June
30th Children have Sweetmeats and Nuts in the afternoon and break up for Midsummer holidays.July
26th Classes examined and re-arranged according to qualifications.August
2nd The Rev John George Doman visits the schools.
16th Rather congested by infants coming into boy’s school while the Organ is being built.
31st Half holiday for the Deane Agricultural Shows.September
15th Half holiday for the Bolton Flower Show.October
12th Mr Gladstone's visit to Bolton.December
22nd Children provided with nuts and oranges out of penny contributions, are dismissed at 3 o'clock.1865
January
11th Thorn as usual is pushing and energetic - but speaks rather too loud.
17th Three boys go to Trinity school because of dislike to their teacher - Triffitt.April
21st Inspectors Report: Boys. The order in this school is very satisfactory and there is much improvement in the attainment of the children, average attendance 126.
Signed, Joseph Lowe, Manager
26th Mrs Matthews complains that her son John is frequently punished - the matter is explained to her.May
22nd Robert Taylor complains that Charles Bridge annoys him during play time - Bridge is punished.June
2nd Mrs Matthews complains that during the masters absence, Thorn ill used her boy. The matter is investigated and Thorn judged blameless.
14th Charles Turner sent home for three weeks school money and he returns with 9d.July
25th Charles Windward plays truant today and his mother expresses a wish that he shall be punished.
26th Children are today addressed by a Lecturer on Electricity.August
17th Boys sent out to play this morning as a reward for their very good behaviour.
30th James Maloy plays truant again today and the master writes a note to the mill.
31st Charles Turner sent home again for his school pence, his mother promises to pay on Monday.September
6th Mrs Hamer follows John Thomas Grimshaw to school and complains that he threw a large stone against her door. The boy is punished and the school is told the folly and the consequence of such a mischievous acts.
7th Thorn is obliged to go home in the afternoon him being very unwell; he is to stay away for two weeks.October
17th Charles Turner sent home again for his school pence.
26th Chalk marks in front of school washed off by John Thomas Grimshaw and Richard Southern.November
1st Election of town council therefore a half holiday is given.
6th Children dismissed at 2:30 in afternoon to compensate for no holiday on Gunpowder Plot.December
4th Robert Southern punished for copying during arithmetic lesson. Children spoken too by the master specially and warned against copying
15th Children have an animal lesson today, just for a change.
21st Children provided with buns and coffee and dismissed for Xmas holidays.1866
January
15th Charles Turner sent home for school money and returns with it.
29th A boy in class III calls out talkers: and the children struck with the novelty are very quiet.
30th Several mill boys late in the afternoon and upon enquiry the master finds them faultless - in as much as they had been detained at the factory.February
5th A boy in the bottom class loses his cap and the parents complain about it!March
16th Joseph Charlton it seems has spent his week’s school money and his mother is sent for before whom the master investigates the case. The money is refunded.April
4th William Ridings is sent home for four weeks school money - his Aunt puts in a plea of poverty, where the master, having every reason to believe her decides that the boy shall come free, but cautions him against telling any one, lest others should claim the same privilege.
18th Robert Entwistle attempts to play truant in the afternoon, but is carried to school at 2:15 by Joseph Charlton.
24th Cain Wigham loses his school money, and in the afternoon the master hears of various purchases which John Aspen has made during the day, to which the charge of finding the money is most clearly traced. His mother is therefore sent for and she promises that the boy’s father shall administer a most severe castigation.May
1st Thomas Cluse loses his cap, and the mother sends a message of such a nature that the master fears the boy will be withdrawn: - the cap is found in the afternoon.
2nd The Rev Joseph Lowe and John George Doman visited the school in the afternoon and then again during the evening. They report that the master should not teach during the evening lessons, but the pupil teachers should be instructed to do this, if the pupil teachers do not, then they should consider their position carefully, They must either comply with the code of 1860 or the engagement of pupil teachers in this school will cease to satisfy act 32 of the revised code.
Signed: John George Doman, Manager
7th Samuel Monks plays truant, and instead of inflicting corporal punishment, the master admonishes and gives a little salutary advice. The boy seems affected and promises not to repeat the offence.
9th The master, present at the opening of the Bazaar for the erection of a Parsonage House, is absent from school from 11am to 12am, and the pupil teachers are in sole charge.
30th Mrs Winward complains that Arnold has been bleeding from the eye, an enquiry into the cause is instituted, the result of which is that no one is culpable, except the boy himself, who, in trying to put himself beyond the reach of his teacher, had fallen down the school steps.June
4th Walter Ashton is refractory in the morning and Robert Greenhalgh plays truant both morning and afternoon, Greenhalgh is severely dealt with next morning.
21st Painters and Plumbers are engaged about the school.
29th I must again advert to the order of the school - which I am bound to say is excellent throughout. The pupil teachers have assumed a command which I had not previously given them credit for.August
2nd Thomas Gallamore punished this morning for attempting to run out of school. His mother came in the afternoon and created a great disturbance, she also went to see the Rev J G Doman to complain of the punishment he received. Rev J G Doman came to the school to speak about the punishment.
24th Rev J G Doman visited the school today and promised to order new reading books for standards I & II.September
13th Today is Bolton Flower Show, half holiday in the afternoon.
18th William H Denton had to be brought to school this morning by his mother to prevent his truanting.October
18th Triffitt caught reading a penny periodical instead of hearing his class read.
24th A woman came to complain that Thorn had been beating her boy. On investigation, found he had been fighting with another boy and that Thorn had not beat him.
26th The number of children at school is much lower this week with many children away ill with Scarlet fever and other ailments being prevalent in this neighbourhood.
31st A deputation from Bury consisting of three gentlemen, came to visit the schools, Being about to build new schools they were desirous to obtain a good plan, and for that purpose were visiting the different schools in the town.November
5th Arrival of the newly appointed master Mr William Webster.End of entries by John H Norris
William Webster
Headmaster Boys School 1866-18921866 continued
November
6th The new Master appointed in July took charge of the school this morning, found the boys very unruly and extremely dirty.
The master gave an address to them on punctuality, regular attendance, good behaviour and cleanliness. The Rev J G Doman visited the school, spoke to him about the great want of apparatus - promised to try and remedy the evil. Thomas Walsh a factory boy returned once more to the school.
13th Triffitt stayed at home today on the sick list - went on quite as well without him as with him - he is not much good, the afternoon being wet and dark the gas has to be lighted during prayers and the whitewashers also being in the room, the children were noisy. This week the school is being white-washed and painted.
19th Thomas Morris began teaching a little as he intends being a candidate next.
23rd A man called at the school today who desired to show a ‘Magic Lantern’.
27th The Scripture lesson was disturbed by one of the infants screaming through the folding doors, I find the infant school a cause of great annoyance continually.December
3rd Master not very well owing to deafness in the right ear caused by a cold, Joseph Charlton brought to school by his mother as he had been truanting twice last week: she wished the master to deal very severely with him.
5th Very good attendance at prayers this morning, the mother of Charles Swinby came to complain that he is constantly playing truant, he is so bad that his father’s frequent beatings have no effect upon him, the master is given full power to try and conquer him.
6th Charles Swinby brought to school by his mother this morning his attendance has to be registered in a small book and taken home every day.
7th Miss Pye came to speak about the factory books; the master wanted her to help him in forming a plan to do the books with more economy in regard to time. She would rather keep her old way.
14th As it was a wet morning the children learned a new school song "Come To School" instead of recreation in the playground. Triffitt has been very careless and non-attentive to his work this week, no doubt owing to the short time he has to stay in school. E. Thorn and T. Morris have done their work with credit.
17th Two factory boys (from Marsdens) ordered by the manager to attend Fletcher St School.
18th James Charlton a factory boy brought to school by his mother: he was truanting on Friday afternoon and Monday afternoon, she wished him to be severely punished.1867
January
15th The uncle of Ernest Orme sent word that his nephew had run away from his house on Sat 12th.February
5th The master puts himself in communication with Mr Dailey of Fletcher St Schools and Mr Moore of Emmanuel School about the children who attend there but who have made their attendance at St Marks.
14th Rev W H Tundell visited the school. Joseph Hardy unruly with the P.T. many children late this afternoon through the bell not being rung, the rope having brokeMarch
25th The Report of H.M Inspector arrived on the 24th and is as follows "This School is well taught and does credit to the Master."
Signed; John George Doman.
29th Thomas Winward being sent in the class room to stay after school hours went home through the window. His mother promised the master that he would be punished and that such conduct would not take place again.April
4th The front gates are chained during school hours for the final time.
10th James Charlton a factory boy played truant this afternoon. He has been warned several times by the master, his mother brought him to school saying she could do no good with him and wishing the master to punish him. He is punished after school hours, when he's promised not to do the same again.May
1st Charles Whittaker had a severe reprimand from the master for changing his Standard IV reading book for a new one out of the cupboard. No boys will be allowed to go to the cupboard in future while new books are there.
31st All the school taken together by the master in repeating Catechism. Robert Aspinall punished severely this afternoon for being impertinent to the master.August
13th Rev J G Doman and the master had conversation today about the best method of having water for the use of the children, as they are restless today owing to the great heat.
18th James Charlton a factory boy has been truanting again.
20th Monitor Thomas Morris leaves to start a job as a Moulder.
30th P.T. Edment Thorn absent from his lessons again this morning, the master gave him a severe reprimand for his conduct during the week.September
2nd The master received a very insulting letter from L Scowcroft the brother of a boy in school.
4th Barlow's father came in an insulting manner to complain that his son was sent home for his two weeks school pence, he was very impudent and said he would not pay. Barlow was sent home until he paid his school pence or agreed to pay.
13th A brother of J Scowcroft came to school to complain that the master had sent him home for a slate, he was shown how absurd he was in his complaint and returned home a wiser man.
27th Thomas Makin a factory boy at Mr Hollins has been working the whole day against factory rules. The master sent word to the manager with Robert Aspinall.October
9th Mrs Reeve gave an interesting lecture accompanied with specimen of Natural History to the children of the school.
18th Three factory boys away from school due to the Spinners being on strike.November
12th & 13th Robert Aspinall & William Bee (factory boys) ran away from school during play hours, they have been punished by the master, next day Will Bees mother brought him to school complaining of his wilful disobedience, the master talked with him after school hours, Robert Aspinall did not turn up for school that day either, they both truant on and off all week.December
13th Edment Thorn finished his apprenticeship today having to sit for a scholarship at Battersea Teacher College on Tuesday next; he leaves with the kind feelings of the master and the children.1868
January
6th Mr Thornley from Ince near Wigan starts his duties as assistant master today.
21st Thorn heard today that he had obtained a first class scholarship at the recent examination for students entering training college.
28th A woman came to grumble against the assistant for correcting a boy without cause. The true case shown to her and she was satisfied.February
17th The master went to Ince this afternoon to make enquiries about Mr Thornley the assistant teacher, Mr Thornley's duties finished on the 21st the decision was communicated to him by Rev J G Doman.
24th Mr Joseph Hayes commenced work in school this morning.March
13th Two boys were fighting after school hours (Robert Jackson & William Haworth) Haworth twisted Jackson's arm out of joint.
25th Today I found that Alice Booth a pupil teacher in the Infant school kicked the fingers of David Bentley when under the yard door. She was severely reprimanded by John G Doman, Vicar.May
20th J Phethean caught playing truant in the fields and brought to school by 1st class boys; he is reprimanded and made faithful promises.September
16th Mr Gillies agreed with for her boy to be a candidate for Pupil Teacher.
23rd Teacher Mr Hayes is allowed to stay away from school today, being unwell.October
23rd James Pickering left school this week because discipline of the school was too strict. The master explained to his parents the folly of allowing him to have his own way, but without effect.November
12th William Bee severely punished for smoking in the school and denying the charge. He is also sent homeDecember
20th Very poor attendance – many children sick.1869
March
12th Above average attendance for February is 163.8 because of children drafted from Infant School.
25th Teacher Mr Hayes fished his duties at St Mark’s today.April
5th Mr William Charles Brown commenced his this morning as assistant teacher.June
17th Thomas Bretherton reprimanded for kicking and hurting other boys.August
30th The master had to attend his brother’s funeral in Lancaster, the assistant Mr Brown had charge of the school for two days, and average attendance for October is 180.November
1st School holiday as the school is being used for the municipal election.
27th Five of Ainsworth's factory boys left without orders because of punctuality being strictly enforced by the master of this school.1870
January
18th The master visited the parents of two boys who had left school – the answer received was they were persuaded to go to Wesleyan School by other boys.April
13th The girls occupied our class room this morning as the girls school is undergoing a thorough washing, the boys attentions are not on their work.May
2nd Jonathan Halliwell found guilty of stealing his school money for the past 4 weeks, he is severely punished by orders of his parents.
11th Jonathan Halliwell again found guilty of stealing 1/- from a persons table – his parents are sent for and he is put into their hands.
31st L Shippobottom expelled for irregular attendance.July
1st Ainsworth’s factory is broken down many factory boys are absent all week.August
15th Mr Kemp commenced his duties at the school today after being sanctioned by the police constables office.
31st Three boys ran home at 3:30pm, Elizabeth Seddon truanting.September
29th The higher class reprimanded for attempting to begin a fight, the ringleaders are punished, Grecian Mill boys attending St Marks making a much larger register.October
27th A note from Thomas Taylor’s Grecian Mills stopping all the half timers from attending these schools, the children had all left the Victoria Wesleyan School and were admitted here in every case with the free consent of their parents.
Rev J G Doman answered the note complaining of the arbitrary measure.1871
January
12th Thomas Walmsley Esq, Mayor visited the school wishing the boys to be informed of the measures taken by the magistrate with regard to sliding in the streets.
30th Drawing began on paper in the higher classes today.March
9th The master took John H Sunderland to Trinity School this morning to be examined by the Government Inspector in Geography.
27th Mr Thomas Robinson commenced his duties as assistant teacher today.September
15th Daniel Bell brought back to school by his father after being away 3 weeks.October
13th Such diversion of the school working very well, besides small pox and scarlet fever being prevalent.1872
July
2nd Teacher Mr Robinson reprimanded for his inattention to duty, he has been absent without leave during the last two week.August
9th Mr Robinson took his departure from school & Home on Thursday the master received a most scandalous letter accounting in some way for his departure.
21st Mr John E Parr begins his duties as assistant master
30th Teachers at the school are William Webster (master) Mr John E Parr (assistant master) John Fell (pupil teacher) William Hardy (paid monitor).October
29th Many boys away from school through sickness, William Martin and Robert Martin ill with the Small Pox, John Halliwell gone to America and Thomas Partington working full time.November
1st Mr Parr allowed leave of absence owing to his having the toothache.
22nd Scarlet Fever still prevalent in the area many absent.December
6th Pupil teacher John Fell absent from school three days through sickness, as are many boys in the week.1873
January
6th The school reopened after the Christmas Holidays most of the children present, coffee and buns given to the children, over 200 present.February
7th Over 30 children absent with the sickness.April
4th Boys examined in Religious knowledge by the Rev Pritt.June
7th Whit week, school closed on Wednesday night owing to the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales.August
22nd The third class begin to write in exercise books.October
10th The Head Inspector of Factories for this district (Mr Coles) visited the school and made a few enquiries of the attendance of the factory children.
24th The first class begin lessons in Vulgar Fractions.December
12th Scarlet Fever prevalent amongst the children, average attendance 186
22nd to January 6th two weeks holiday1874
January
23rd Attendances poor Scarlet Fever amongst the children.March
27th Thirty infants drafted from the Infant school over 6 years of age.April
24th Several boys left school to work full time in the factories.July
16th Thursday, School closed until August 10th for Midsummer Holidays 3 weeks.August
14th John Fell & William Hardie passed 1st class in all four subjects at the Diocesan examination in June.September
3rd The Bolton Flower Show today several half timers played truant.
18th Several of the half timers came to school both morning and afternoon owing to many of the mills being closed through the Spinners strike against the proposed reduction in their wages of 5%.October
2nd Several boys left school & gone full time to the factory, William Miller left for Mr Haworths Commercial School.December
24th Mr John E Parr left the school to commence duties at Altringham.1875
January
16th Mr William Robert Buckley commenced his duties as assistant master.February
19th William Hardie absented himself from school for three days through an affair which took place in Sunday School & which had nothing to do with Day School, the Rev J G Doman took the matter in hand he returned to his duties on the fourth day.
26th The school has been open four hundred & fifty two times.April
23rd The Government Report arrived, Boy School: The order is very good and the teaching very creditable and intelligent - The Room wants more light.
Staff: - Mr W Webster 2nd class - Mr Robert Buckley assistant teacher - John Fell pupil teacher 3rd year - William Hardie pupil teacher 2nd year.May
14th The Head Master wrote a sharp note to Mr Hilton about the irregular attendance of his stepson James Morris.
28th Pupil teacher William Hardie allowed leave of absence from school this week through an accident happening to his father & mother at Blackpool on Whit Friday, he is to stay away for a total of 11 weeks.June
21st George Denton & Thomas Denton sent home for school pence & caught in the street by the school board.September
20th William Heald attendance is cancelled; he was sent home for school pence at 10am & did not return.December
6th Mr Buckley allowed leave of absence this morning & the whole of the week to enable him to sit for Government Certificate at Chester College.
13th The master noticed that the schools were very dirty & badly swept & not dusted - the case was reported to Rev J G Doman who administered a severe reprimand to Crompton the cleaner.1876
February
4th The average attendance is now 221.
11th Mr Cramp the Sub Inspector of Factories visited the schools to confer with the master on the Education Certificate for boys over 13 years of age wishing to be employed full time.June
Staff at this time: W Webster Certificate 2nd class, Robert Buckley Certificate 4th Division, John Fell Pupil Teacher 5th year, William Hardie Pupil Teacher 4th year.August
21st Mr Anderson Rushworth commenced duty as assistant teacher; average attendance is now at 247.
22nd James Gregory began teaching as a monitor today.November
1st Holiday as the school used for the Municipal Elections.
17th Scarlet Fever is again prevalent amongst the children.1877
January
19th Several boys punished for aiding and abetting Giles Rudlan & George Heaps in fighting.February
9th Joseph Halliwell at home with Scarlet Fever, Henry Mather with a broken arm and John and Robert Berry at home through Scarlet Fever being in the house.
23rd Admitted two boys from British School, Mawdsley St. Average attendance this school year 245 number on the books 332.
28th End of school year – John Fell appointed Assistant Master at Eagley British Schools to commence duties after the government examination on March 12th 13th & 14th; he leaves St Marks on the 16th March.April
25th Staff at St Marks as follows:-
Mr William Webster 2nd Class,
Robert Buckley 4th Class,
William Hardie 5th Year,
James Gregory 1st Year,
Mr Anderson Rushworth Assistant Master.May
11th Scarlet Fever and Measles amongst children – several boys home because their brothers or sisters are ill.June
22nd Mr Buckley’s notice expired today – he has been appointed master at Bramhall Moor Boarding School, Stockport.August
20th Mr George William Wilson and Mr George Hayhurst commenced their duties at the school as assistant teachers.October
19th Samuel Perks played truant several times during the week.
23rd William Hardie received notice that he had gained a Thomasson Prize. On the 2nd November he also received notice of his success at the late Scholarship Examination and enters College on the 29th January 1878.November
16th James Alexander (Stan I) dismissed from the school for irregular attendance.1878
January
18th Mr John Fell returns to St Marks this time as assistant master.February
8th Scarlet fever still prevalent in a few houses locally.
22nd End of school year for 1877-8 average annual attendance 261.
29th William Horrocks entered Grammar School.April
12th Alfred Edward Woolton from Std1 truanted three times this week.
29th William Hardie passed the examination for the Queens Scholarship and therefore brought a 60/- grant to the school.May
31st John Connell passed full timeJune
13th James Gregory received answer that his application to sit at the Thomasson Prize examination was received too late.July
5th James Gregory passes 2nd class in Magnetism at the science examination.
August
23rd Giles Rudlan dismissed for constant unruly conduct – he has been a source of trouble and bad example for some time.October
18th John and Robert Newton received ‘Child Books’ as they are leaving the area.November
22nd The Headmaster away from school for a portion of the day to attend the funeral of Rev John George Doman’s daughter.
Assistant master Mr John Fell allowed leave of absence to sit the ‘Drawing Examination’ at Chester1879
January
6th John Thomas Spencer commenced duties as an assistant teacher, Mr William Hardie returns to help at the school
17th Mr George Hayhurst leaves to enter the Saltley Training College.February
28th End of school year average weekly attendance 277, on books 335.May
1st Several boys absent on Thursday afternoon owing to the ‘May Day’ processions.
23rd The Rev John Lewis took a class for a bible history lesson.July
4th The school has more boys that the accommodation will allow, the master was desired by the Rev Doman to not admit to the boy’s school the following:-
John Doyle; Benjamin Jones; Henry Hunt; James Lomax; Fred C Shalman; James Stewart; Robert Kirkman; Peter Calderley; John Crook; Robert Unsworth; Seth Rothwell; Richard Boydell; Henry Bleasdale; Samuel Grimshaw; Joseph Whitter; Raymond Ward; Thomas Halliwell; Thomas Crompton.
The whole of the above with the exception of Thomas Halliwell were later admitted from the Infant schoolOctober
31st Holiday to allow the work for building of the new class room.November
7th Workmen began to pull down the wall on the North side.December
5th Many boys away with the sickness, measles is very prevalent
18th A week extra holidays is given to allow the schools to be whitewashed, painted and scrubbed and the new class room to be completed1880
January
23rd Many boys returned to school after the Measles Epidemic.February
20th The headmaster examined the different standards during the week, a few failures – Dunces to have extra work.March
19th Sixty infants drafted from the infant school. The School Pence was raised this week as follows, all children (day and half timers) in all standards above standard I to pay 4d per week, Standard I to pay as before 3d.April
28th The staff at St Marks Boys School are as follows:-
William Webster, Headmaster Certificated Teacher of the 1st Class
John Fell, Assistant Certificated Teacher of the 2nd Class
John Thomas Spencer, Certificated Teacher of the 3rd Class
Anderson Rushworth, Assistant Article 79
George William Wilson, Assistant Article 79
James Gregory Pupil Teacher of the 4th yearMay
14th The attendance registers copied by school board clerks, weekly average 304.June
18th James Gregory PT attended the Thomasson Prize exam at Pikes Lane Board School.September
3rd Holiday, St Marks Flower show.
29th Mr John Fell left the schools to change of school near Ashbourne, Derbyshire.December
3rd Mr Joseph Whalley pupil teacher at Portwood Wesleyan School, Stockport date of birth 10.11.1861 appointed assistant teacher who commenced duties on November 29th
17th William Andrew Nelson sent home for his school pence by the headmaster, he returned with a message to say that his father said he must leave. He was told to take his books home.
Fred Nelson, brother to the above came to school with a very dirty face and hands and was sent home by his teacher (Mr Spencer) to wash. His father sent him back without having been washed saying “He is clean enough” – The headmaster sent him again to clean his hands and he did not return.1881
April
25th Staff at St Marks Boys School are as follows:-
William Webster Certificated Teacher of the 1st Class
John Thomas Spencer Certificated Teacher of the 3rd Class
Anderson Rushworth Certificated Teacher of the 4th Class
George William Wilson Assistant Teacher
Joseph Whalley Assistant Teacher
James Gregory Pupil Teacher of the 5th Year
29th Rev J G Doman visited the schools and paid the salaries due to the teachers from the Government Grant.August
22nd Mr George William Wilson finished duty today. William Hurst Albinson is appointed Pupil Teacher from St Thomas’s, Stockport.October
7th Samuel Britton dismissed from school for constant truanting.
21st Mr Joseph Whalley left these schools after serving a 4 weeks notice.December
9th Sickness in the lower classes – principally colds through the fog.
22nd Mr William Hurst Albinson finished his duties today.1882
January
9th School reopened, Albert Rushton, late Assistant Teacher at Victoria Wesleyan School Bolton and Edward Wilson, late Assistant Teacher St Mary’s Windermere commenced duties this morning.
17th Mr James Higson Certificated Teacher late student at Chester Training College commenced duties.February
24th Scarlet Fever has been the reason why so many boys have been absent during the past two months.
School Year ended today.March
20th The Master is very ill and is confined to his room he is to stay away from school.
24th James Gregory who finished his apprenticeship on Feb 28th left for another appointment today.
27th The School Board opened Slaterfield Wesleyan School as a board school.April
6th The master took charge of the school this week having recovered from his late illness.
17th Mr Edward Wilson absent without leave during the whole of the week.
24th No news of Mr Wilson his late employers and the Council Office acquainted with his departure.May
1st Staff at St Marks Boys School are as follows:-
William Webster Certificated Teacher 1st Class
James Higson Certificated Teacher 1st Class
John Thomas Spencer Certificated Teacher 3rd Class
Anderson Rushworth Certificated Teacher 4th Class
Albert Rushton Assistant Article 79.
26th Mr John Thomas Spencer finished at these schools. He has been appointed to Joseph Williamson Endowed School, Parton, Whitehaven, Cumberland.June
12th Mr George Fred Haslam pupil teacher from St George The Martyr, Daubhill, Bolton, appointed assistant.September
21st Rev J G Doman visited the schools to say that he had arranged with the Rev Scott to examine the schools the second week in December, As the schools have not had a Diocesan examination for 7 years the news was of course received with great joy !!!!!!!.December
7th Morning was very inclement – the snow lying a foot deep – several of the younger boys were absent from school.
21st Teacher Mr Albert Rushton finished at these schools today and was paid his salary to the end of the month. He enters Chester College after the vacation.1883
January
8th Mr Robert Foulds, late pupil teacher at Brownlow Fold Board School commenced his duties.
26th Mr J D Briscoe a member of the Bolton Board School visited the schools.March
2nd Half Time attendances copied in separate register for first the time.April
21st The school report arrived.
Boys “The boys are steady and quiet at their work, Reading, Writing and Spelling are generally good; Composition is fair in the fifth standard and good in the sixth standard. Arithmetic is good except in the fifth standard which is poor. The Repetition was well said and Grammar and Geography are well taught”
Staff in the Boys school at this time is as follows:-
William Webster Certified 1st Class
James Higson Certified 2nd Class
Anderson Rushworth Certified 4th Class
George Fred Haslam Article 79
Robert Foulds Article 79.June
1st Mr Rushworth allowed three days leave of absence to attend his father’s funeral in Yorkshire.July
6th Mr George Fred allowed leave of absence from school to sit at Chester College for the Scholarship examination.August
13th Mr Robert Foulds finished at these schools during the holidays. Mr Thomas Wild ex assistant teacher from St James’s St School, Heywood commenced duty today.October
25h Major and Thomas Kay were taken away from school because they were sent home for their school pence which amounted to 2s 6d.
Thomas Perkins Stan V had his arm broken accidentally in the school yard during dinner vacation.1884
February
18th Mr William Hurst Albinson, late assistant teacher at St Thomas’s, Stockport and assistant at Barnes Home, Manchester appointed as assistant in these schools and notified to the Education Department.March
12th
The Head Master was away from school in the afternoon attending the funeral of Mr S Ogden the late Head Master of Christ Church, Bolton.April
10th Mr William Hurst Albinson left this school.May
9th Mr Wild allowed leave of absence to attend a funeral.
13th The school report arrived this morning and is as follows:-
Boys “The order is very good and I have classed the school as excellent, the strongest points the Arithmetic and Spelling as well as the Composition of the sixth standard. The Reading generally needs more finish and the Geography in the second and fourth standards needs strengthening.
The boys sing well from notes, the door between the boys and girls yards should be kept locked.
Mr Higson will shortly receive his certificate.
Staff in the boy’s school at this time are as follows:-
William Webster Certified 1st Class
James Higson Certified 2nd Class
Anderson Rushworth Certified 4th Class
George Fred Haslam Article 50
Thomas Wild Article 50.July
11th Mr Thomas Wild sits the Scholarship Exam.August
28th Holiday in the afternoon for the Bolton Flower Show.September
18th Mr Councillor Broughton visited the schools in the afternoon.
26th Mr Higson allowed leave of absence to go to Prescott Grammar School.October
1st Mr Joseph Causey commenced his duties as assistant teacher article 50.
31st The Rev Doman visited the schools and paid the teachers their salaries for the month. Mr Thomas Wild salary is raised from £45 to £50 per annum.November
13th Mr Haslam passed 2nd class in the late scholarship examination. He has arranged to enter Carnarvon College on February 1st 1885.1885
Mr George William Haslam ceased his duties.
January
5th Mr Sydney Stott commenced duties todayMarch
17th Inspections by the Rev F F Cornish, number of pupils inspected 285 with exception of 5 these being the following:-
W E Harrison STD V, - Consumption, away from home
John Britton STD V, – Obvious dullness
Edward Barnes STD V, – Delicate health
John Robert Rosewell STD IV – Small Pox in the house
John E Atherton Std I – Medical certificate
Joseph Lever STD V – Medical certificateApril
21st The school report arrived this morning and reads as follows:-
“The order is very good and the work is on the whole most credible. There is, however, a little weakness in the fifth standard, and the Reading and Writing which are correct, would be improved if style were more distinctly aimed at. The number of passes and percentage of sums done correctly are almost exactly the same in the Boys and Girls Departments."
Staff at St Marks Boys department at this present time are as follows:-
William Webster Certified 1st Class
James Higson Certified 2nd Class
Anderson Rushworth Certified 4th Class
Thomas Wild Article 50
Joseph Causey Article 50
Sidney Stott Certified 3rd ClassMay 21st
Rev J G Doman visited the school today and made inquiries into the case of a boy named Herbert Foster who it was alleged had been roughly used by Mr Wild the assistant teacher in Standard I. It was proved to be an accident and not intentional.June 29th
The Headmaster left the school at 2:30pm in the charge of the assistants while he attended the funeral of Mr McAdam the late Headmaster of St Paul’s School, Halliwell.October 12th
Mr Vere Foster (b1819-d1900) paid a visit to the school
Born in Copenhagen into a privileged anglo-irish family with estates in both England and Ireland he devoted his life to the social betterment of the Irish poor. Foster used his vast personal wealth to pay for the building and equipping of schools, both Catholic and Protestant, designing his own Vere Foster Copy Books to improve literacy among the poor, his copy books remained in use until the 1950s.
This selfless and generous man died on December 21st 1900 and there was scarcely a dozen people at his funeral, his devotion to humanity will be remembered in the name of the "Vere Foster Medical Centre" and he is realised to be one of the most remarkable unifying figures in the history of Victorian Ireland.November
14th Pupil Alfred Ray from Standard V met with an accident in the factory and had his arm taken off.1886
March
8th Mr Brewer the Sub Inspector of Factories visited the school to make enquiries about pupil John Lomax and others.June
17th Mr Joseph Causey had been excused from attending his duties at school from May 3rd for his wife to be seriously ill, it was later found to be untrue, he was dismissed.
28th Clarendon St Board School was opened for the first time this morning - Several boys left this school to go there.July
2nd Borough Elections - The school were taken for Polling Stations as in previous years and therefore they had to be closed.
6th Mr George Fred Haslam, late assistant of these schools, but at present a student in Carnarvon Training College assisted this week due to Headmaster being absent from school and in Lancaster.