Memories of Bristol England Forum
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I am trying to find information regarding a school kept by Jane (Rankin) Kentish in Bristol in 1817. She was the wife of Edward Kentish, PhD. Her sister was Mary (Rankin) Martineau, mother of Harriet Martineau, English Writer and Philosopher. I know there was a Boarding House/school in 1830 run by Mrs and Miss Rankin, but this may have been a separate endeavor run by Mrs. Kentish, as that is how it is stated in an article on Harriet Martineau, who went to stay with the Kentishes 1817-1819. Thank you for helping me with this. I am a descendant of Edward Kentish, PhD. Jane was his second wife. First wife, Dorothy Hymers passed on earlier, and he married Jane in 1804. Suzi Miller
Hi
Try The Bristol Information Site it contains a database of old Bristol schools.
http://www.bristolinformation.co.uk/schools/
Some of Bristol's schools came into existence as far back as the 16th century, established through.the wills of Bristol merchants grown wealthy through trade. These often provided for the education and upkeep of orphans, often leading to apprenticeship. They were known as endowed schools.
During the 18th century the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge began setting up charity schools and by 1741 there were nearly 2000 of these throughout the country. Robert Raikes began his Sunday School movement in 1784. These were Church of England schools, but other denominations had their own establishments, such as the Unitarian Stokes Croft school and Clifton Congregational school at Hope Chapel.
The early 19th century saw the setting up of other voluntary societies for the education of the poorer classes. The best-known of these were the Royal Lancastrian Society, later renamed the more familiar British and Foreign School Society and the National Society. There were several British and National Schools in Bristol, maintained by contributions from the public, the funds for each being administered by Treasurers.
The name Board School is still seen carved on many of Bristol's junior schools. These were overseen by Bristol School Board, which was made up of a committee headed by prominent citizens such as Lewis Fry, Mark Whitwill, Rev Dr Gotch and Rev J Percival. Officers were in charge of specific districts, who saw that discipline and order were maintained.
It was not until 1876 that school attendance was made compulsory and lists appear in the newspaper of those fined at Bristol Police Court for not sending their children to be educated. Of course there were always a plethora of 'private' schools, both day and boarding where education could be received at a price, turning out young ladies and gentlemen.
We have collected together all types of schools of the Victorian era. Some only lasted for a brief time, others still exist today, although their names may have changed over the years. The list, with details and descriptions, is not yet complete and as we are still working on it, it will be updated shortly.
