Community directory

Friends Of British Schools Museum (Hitchin)

The Friends aim to assist the restoration of the Hitchin British Schools as a Museum of Education by The Hitchin British Schools Trust.

The Friends who are a mixed age group including schools and corporates, are involved at every level including membership of the educational team, guiding, stewarding, catering, restoration, fundraising, publicity etc. There are varied social activities.

The site is the finest example of a 19th Century elementary school in Britain, showing every aspect of the system from 1800 to 1945. It incorporates the only known complete Lancasterian monitorial school-room in the world, a rare galleried classroom and Girls' and Infants' Schools together with Master's and Mistress's houses.

The Trust's Jill Grey Collection of Educational Memorabilia with 35000 items, is said by The British Library to be one of the Best such collections in Britain and offers scope for research and practical conservation.

The Museum is based at 41/42, Queen Street, Hitchin.

Membership of the Friends costs £5 per annum.

Publications: Quarterly newsletter
The Hitchin British Schools. A History of The Buildings
Joseph Lancaster & His Monitorial Schools
The Patchwork Boy. A colouring book
Teachers and Teaching 1800 - 1860.

Registered charity number 1016659