St. James's School 005

Former Saint James School, Guide. Originally built as a National school. rnNational schools were founded in nineteenth century England by a Church of England worried about the perceived ‘Godlessness’ of the growing population of the poor. Sunday Schools were no longer enough. An elementary (ie very basic) education was provided in accordance with the teaching of the Church. From 1833, the state began to award grants to the National Society for Promoting Religious Education, but also began to provide inspection of National Schools. Guide National school, which was funded by local subscription when first built, eventually came under the wing of Saint James Church at Blackamoor. rnThe site is now occupied by private apartments.rnrnImage taken by Dave Whalley in 1997.