St Matthew's Church Harlaston - A Centenary Celebration

The book has been reproduced as close to the original format as possible, including any spelling errors, factual discrepancies and sentence construction queries. A list of contributors to the book is found at the end of the text.

In the early part of the eighteenth Century the Manor was owned by the Egerton family, three members of which are buried in a vault at St Matthew's Church, harlaston. This is recorded on a Memorial Tablet above the vault in the Chancel. Thereafter the ownership of the Manor changed on a number of occasions.

It is reasonable to suppose that a Mill existed in Harlaston throughout the intervening years between 1066 - the date of the Doomesday Book - and the present time and equally that it would have been on the site of the present Mill. (See notes on the Mill on page 26)

Prior to 1845 Harlaston was a Chapelry to Clifton Campville but it was then constitutes an Ecclesiastical Parish by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The first Rector was the Reverend Richard Rowland Bloxham, M.A. Records indicate at that time the Parish had 221 inhabitants and about 1,400 acres of land. At that time Captain Theophilius Levett and W. Cheatle, Esq., were Lords of the Manor, but a great part of the soil belonged to Sir Robert Burdett, Bart., and Viscount Chetwynd. The records also refer to a 'neat Rectory' and a 'neat Parochial School' being built.

The same records show that in 1851 the Parish had residing therein 3 Shoe makers, 2 Shopkeepers, 1 Carpenter, 2 Bricklayers, 1 Plumber/Painter, 1 School-master, 1 Corn Miller, 1 Constable, 1 Dressmaker, 1 Publican and 5 farmers, in addition to the Rector. Quite an impressive array of talent one may think! A number of the above figured frequently in the Church Vestry Minutes.

For comparision, the 1881 Census (being the one nearest to the Restoration year) has been copied in full and will be available for examination in the Church, later in the year. The Enumerator for the Census was William Fletcher. The Census showed that 53 inhabited houses, 6 uninhabited houses, and inhabitants totalling 279. 138 males and 141 females.

Prior to the introduction of the Local Government Act, 1894, the Church played a big part in the running of the Parish. The Vestry Minutes confirm that appointments were made for Overseer of the Roads, Overseer of the Poor, and that an assistant Overseer was appointed and paid a salary. The Vestry also fixed the Church rate.

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In accordance with the directions of the Local Government Act, a compulsory Parish Meeting was called where it was decided not to form a Parish Council, but thereafter statutory Public Meetings had to be held. Mr. Joseph Hellaby was nominated and approved as District Councillor. In fact the first Parish Council for Harlaston was not formed until 1956. Its first Chairman was Mr. Howard Carter (Junior) until 1959. At that time Mr Evan Mercer became Chairman has remained so ever since.

And so through the years the Parish progressed, although not increasing greatly in population. The area remains chiefly a farming area. Various organisations have been set up - some to die out, but some to remain. A new School has replaced the old. The White Lion Public House continues to serve. 

Some new dwellings have been built, but only on a relatively small scale. To a large extent this has been well monitored - thanks in no small way to the fact that Harlaston was designated a Conservation Area in 1972. (Conservation area No. 40.)

In the County Planning and Development Publication of 1972 Harlaston was described in what one may consider quite complementary terms generally, and to reproduce this seems an appropriate and pleasing note on which to end this generalisation and to commence to particularise. (In this latter respect shortage of space has resulted in the restricting of this to a selection of personalities, buildings, organisations and to the story of one village couple.)

A GUIDE THROUGH HARLASTON

Harlaston is a small village lying on the left bank of the River Mease four miles north of Tamworth. This nearness and the great expansion in the population of Tamworth, both achieved and proposed, is subjecting Harlaston to strong pressures as a potential dormitory settlement.

The village is away from major roads and only local traffic is carried by the village street, the road from Tamworth. This meets at the north end of the village the west-east route linking ALrewas to Clifton Campville. The plan of the village is therefore simple, essentially linear, and the character is largely derived from the changes in level and from various buildings and boundaries that form the frontage.

Although the place-name Harlaston occurs as early as the 11th century, there is little on the ground to indicate antiquity. Part of a mediaeval moat surrounds the farm buildings to the north of the church, but otherwise the main evidence is the church itself. This is a modest building - Harlaston remained as a chapelry within the parish of Clifton Campville until 1845 - yet it is rated as a grade B item

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of architectural or historic interest by the Department of the Environment. The nave and chancel are of 18th century brick, but the 13 century stone tower is impressively massive. The half-timbered upper stage of the tower is unusual for Staffordshire, and has been surmounted since the 19th century by a little spire. The church is set on the highest point of the ridge flanking the River Mease, so that it dominates the rest of the village. Its position makes it particularly effective when seen across the fields from the road to Haselour.

Apart from the church, the only building that is listed by the Secretary of State for the Environment is the one now known as the Manor House. This is a splendid example of 16th century timber framing, and it has recently been sensitively restored by the aid of grants from the County Council and the Rural District Council.

The subtle structure of the main road contributes to the attractiveness of the village, although not enhanced by overhead wires. For those approaching from Tamworth there is a sudden and satisfactory transition from open fields to built-up settlement, and this transition is made more abrupt by the rising ground and the sharpness of the curve. The outbuildings of Church Farm, the large three storeyed house on the opposite side of the road and the Manor HOuse itself give a feeling of cohesion and variety to the view.

Once the top of the rise is reached by the church, itis possible to look back along the main road and to notice how important even in this direction is the black and white gable of Manor House. In the north-eastern direction almost the same importance can be claimed for the white-painted White Lion Inn that closes the view and occupies an island site between narrow lanes, with new development on the opposite side. On the Alrewas road a fresh element is introduced by the winding River Mease. The bridge carrying the road to Edingale, the trees on the steep bank and the roads themselves add to a compact and intimate landscape of sustained interest.

Because there are few outstanding buildings in Harlaston, conservation need not carry with it the implication everything must be kept, but it is important to recognise those characteristics that give quality and individuality to the settlement. Manor Farm is of irregular plan and partly rendered; Harlaston House, a successful interpretation of the Georgian idiom, hides imposingly behind a high brick wall and happily partners the nearby 19th century Rectory. Otherwise the buildings are mostly of small domestic scale and of red bricks with tiled roofs. Some rise from behind the pavement; others are set behind red brick walls and hedges; while others

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again, like the cottages opposite the White Lion Inn, are set well back from the road but contribute nevertheless to the overall character. It is most important that the cohesion effected by the continuity of frontage shall remain and that harmonious design and traditional materials should be used for any new development. The consequences of losing a well-defined frontage and removing any focus of attention are clearly demonstrated in Manor Lane.

It is to preserve the character of the village and to ensure that any new development is compatible that the County Council have designated Harlaston as a Conservation Area.

St Matthew's Church

GENERAL

Little is recorded about St. Matthew's Church prior to Harlaston being cc situted an Ecclesiastical Parish in 1845. Before this Harlaston was a Chapelry to Clifton Parish. The date of origin of the Church is not known. It is suggested in Kelly's Staffordshire Directory for 1924 (although not in the 1904 edition) that it is Saxon and dates back to the 9th century.

The Rev. Henry Norris, in his History of Haselour Hall in 1894, writes that St. Matthew's may have origionally been a domestic chapel attached to the estate of the Vernons but that it is almost certain that it became a Parochial Chapel in its very early days. He also suggests that it was referred to as 'Clifton cum Capella' in the King's Book of 1535.

The Church is built of red brick in the Norman and early English styles, consisting of a nave, South Porch and Norman Tower with three bells and a clock.

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The Register in the Church dates back to 1693, but is thought likely that an earlier one does exist.

The first Rector for Harlaston Parish was the Reverend Richard Rowland Bloxham, M.A., and he was of course the first occupant of the Rectory.

It is apparent from the Vestry Minutes dating from 1851 that one of the first priorities of the Rector and the members of the Committee was the restoration of the church. Reports were obtained from a Surveyor and from William Slater, Architect, of Regent Street, London. These showed that there were settlements in the walls to such an extent as to render any mere repairs impracticable; the roof and timbers of the Tower were severely decayed and the old stone Gothic arch leading from the tower to the church was in a ruinous state. It was recommended that a new tower of a simple cost at £280, not including a spire which he suggested could be added later.

At the first recorded meeting of the Vestry on 9th December 1851 it was resolved to carry out the work and to borrow a sum not exceeding £250.

In a letter to the Reverend Bloxham of 10th April 1852, H.J. Pye, Esq., Patron of Clifton Hall, suggested that it may be wise to confine attention at that time to repairs which were absolutely necessary in the belief that it might be possible at some future period to rebuild the Church without asking  the ratepayers to change their rates.

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The windows were obviously recieving consideration and over the the next few months it is recorded that it was agreed to allow three obituary windows and an East window of stained glass to be put in by Reverend R.R. Bloxham, W. Webb Esq., and Thos Flavell, Esq. It will be seen from the section on the windows that the East window later moved to make way for another one.

The business of putting things in order, and recording them properly continued and a 'Perfect Terrier' (Register) was drawn up with the approval of the Bishop of Lichfield giving a description of all buildings, land and other property belonging to the Church, including goods, ornaments and utensils. This record is still kept up to date to-day.

As a matter of interest the following fees for church services to the Rector were chargeable at that time:-

s.    d. 

  Thanks after childbirth.           4

Publishing Banns 1.     6

Marriage 1.     0

Marraige by Licence 5.    0

Burial 4.    0

Little is mentioned in the Vestry Minutes thereafter with regard to preparation for the restoration, except that in September 1855 it was resolved to build a Vestry at the North end.

At a meeting on the 12th December 1861 an offer was revealed from Mrs. Webb of £200 for a new roof if there was a new tower. At the same meeting offers totalling £350 were recieved for the rebuilding of the tower, etc. In 1862 Mr. Webb promised to take sole management of the building of the tower.

It seems from the time lapse, apparent from these minutes, that the members took heed of the advice given by H.J.Pye, Esq., mentioned earlier.

As a matter of interest, in the meantime in 1856 the Vestry Meeting considered the alteration of the pews for the purpose of erecting an organ, but decided against it. However an organ was installed in 1867.

An interesting footnote to the Minutes of a meeting in April 1858 read:- 

"NB - Mr Hellaby, on the part of the Parish, refused to accept the Finger Organ which I have put in the church." Signed... R.R. Bloxam. (Perhaps the Parish envisaged harmonious relationships of meetings being disturbed !).  

It is believed that from around 1870 the health of Rev Bloxam deteriorated and in 1875 he relinquished his post. He eventually died at Leamington on 23rd January 1877. 

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From 1875 the Rev J.B. Swann was Priest-in-Charge until 18th May 1877 when he was inducted as Rector.

The Restoration

Although, strangely, there is no mention of it in the Minutes, the restoration took place in 1882/83. The drawings, specification and conditions of contract were prepared by Mr Christian of 8 Whitehall Palace, London, and were signed by all parties on 13th June 1882.

A brief summary of the work carried out as follows:- 

General repairs and improvements of the Nave, Chancel and Tower and including the Roof. Work on the Organ Chamber and Vestry. Erection of new Porch on the South side. New wood and paved floors. New Chancel, seating and provision of a new Pulpit, Desk, Lectern, Communication Rail and Vestry Screen. New seating in Nave and Tower.

The work up to and including the erection of a porch was completed by Christmas 1882 according to a written note in Rev Swann's hand, so presumably the remainder of the work was carried over into 1883. This would account for the Restoration Ceremony being as late as November 1883.

It is apparent from the records in the Diocescesan Church Calendar that at the Restoration the number of seats in the Church was increased from 100 to 132, and it is presumed that this was possible as the previous pews consisted of boxed seats. At the same time all became 'free'.

The total cost of the restoration, including all Professional Fees, etc., was £1,429/5/5d.

The Church was re-opened on 13th November 1883 by the Bishop of Lichfield.

The Diocesan Church Calendar for 1883/84 gives the following information:- 

Rector     Rev John B. Swann

Church Warden   John Kendrick

Patron Mrs E. S. Swann

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Population 265

Acreage 1,353

Church Accomodation

In 1883 - 100 of which 40 were free

In 1884 - 132 - all free

School

1883       Mistress - Emma Jane Black - 36 scholars

1884 Mistress - Helen Francis       - 45 scholars

(According to the 1881 Census, Emma Jane Black lodged with the Smith family who were local farmers).

The first Confirmation Service was held in St Matthew's Church on 20th May 1884. The Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Reverend William Daltymple Maclagan, D.D. officiated and 1 male and 5 females were confirmed. Bishop Maclagan later became Archbishop of York.

Other points of Interest

'A Family Communion' 

On the inside cover of the Baptism Register Rev R.R. Bloxam recorded the following information:-

"On Sunday morning, 13th January 1856, being my fiftieth birthday, I, Richard Rowland Bloxam, Rector of this Parish, was assisted in the performance of Divine Service by my five brothers, viz:

1. The Rev Thomas Lawrence Bloxham of Rugby read the Epistle.

2. The Rev John Louis Bloxam of Magdalen College, Oxford, read the Gospel.

3. The Rev Andrew Bloxam, late Fellow of Worcester College, Oxford, preached the Communion Service. 

The Rev Richard Rowland Bloxam read the prayers

4. Henry Bloxam of Shrewsbury, Solicitor, read the Second Lesson

5. Matthew Holbeche Bloxam of Rugby, Solicitor, read the First Lesson.

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'Early Paintings of the Church'

In about 1859 Mrs Moore, wife of the Archdeacon, and her sister, Miss Hinckes, produced two very good paintings of St Matthew's Church. One is of the Church and Churchyard and the other is of the interior looking towards the Altar, showing the seating before the organ was installed and the pews altered at the restoration.

'From the Register 1883'

Baptisms

15.2.1883 George, Son of Richard and Jane Shaw, Harlaston. - Labourer

14.3.1883 Anne, Daughter of William and Mary Ann Wilcox, Harlaston - Labourer

      "                 Emma, Daughter of William and Mary Ann Wilcox, Harlaston - aged 2 years and 9 months

      "                 Sarah, Daughter of William and Mary Ann Wilcox, Harlaston - aged 5 years.

18.6.1883 Ada, Daughter of Samuel and Jane Ward, Hogshill, Harlaston. - Labourer

Burials

Five were recorded that year.

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The Bells

There are three bells in the Tower of St Matthew's. They are contained in a three bell, wooden frame which is thought to have been installed at the restoration.

The smallest bell has a diameter of 23 1/2" and has the inscription: 'All praise and Glory be to God. 1634". Mr John F. Mulvey of Tamworth reported in 1973, after carrying out research on the Bells, that he thought this was probably cast by T. Hancox II of Walsall, as a slightly larger bell than this was supplied to Wolverhampton Parish Church which had very similar lettering.

The second bell has a diameter of 25" and is inscribed: "Ora Pro Nobis Beata Eliena" in mediaeval capitals. Mr Mulvey translated this as "St Helen pray for us". He suggests that it was cast well before the Reformation, probably about 1500, and very rare. He gave two possible reasons for it being in a church dedicated to St Matthew. Firstly it may have been the patron Saint of the donor, unless the Church's dedication has changed, and secondly that it may have been purchased from a Church with such a dedication, the nearest of which is at Ashby de la Zouch. He thinks this possible as at the time of Reformation the religious communities and private chantries had their bells confiscated and they were were either sold for scrap or bought by other churches. He also states that in the Inventorry of 1553 it was mentioned that Harlaston had mortgaged its second bell in order to reshingle its chapel roof. Also that there was a private bell in the chapel belonging to the ancestors of Sir Richard Vernon.

However, the Rev Henry Norris, Author of a book called "The History of Haselour", in 1894 also makes reference to this particular bell in St Matthew's Church and quotes its inscription. He also offers alternative explanations for its being there as follows:-

"It was by no means unusual in early days to dedicate church bells to the Patron Saints of those who gave them or of those in whose memory they were set up and there is reason to believe that this course was adopted at Harlaston. It may be impossible now to ascertain with absolute certainty of whom this bell is a memorial, but there were two members of local families bearing the name in the fourteenth century who may well have been thus commemorated.

Harlaston till very recent days was included within the Parish of Clifton and although it may origionally have been a domestic Chapel attached to the Manor of the Vernons, yet it is well nigh certain that it became in early days a parochial chapel and was probably that referred to as "Clifton cum capella" in the King's Book of 1535.

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It is known that the coheiresses of Sir William de Camville in 1337 were Matilda and Eleonora; that Eleonora conceded all her right in Clifton to her sister, Matilda, and that Matilda became the wife of Sir Richard Vernon of Harlaston. Now Matilda commemorated her family and their alliances in a magnificient window of painted glass in Clifton Church; may she not have commemorated her sister, Eleanora, by the presentation of this bell to the Church at Harlaston?

But there is an alternative that presents itself with some show of reason. In the year 1349, Hugh de Hopwas was presented to the Rectory of Elford by Sir John de Ardenne (see notes on Haselour) and Ellena (De Wastenays) his wife. In 1353 he was presented by Sir Richard Stafford to the Rectory of Clifton and during his tenure of that office Sir Thomas de Ardenne, the son of his early Patrons, married Catherine de Stafford, the daughter and subsequent heiress of the Lord of Clifton, thus iltimately uniting the Lordships of Clifton, Elford and Haselour. In 1361 Hugh de Hopwas  founded a Chantry in Clifton Church "for the welfare of Richard de Stafford and Maud his wife and for the soul of Isabel his former wife". and since Hugh is known to have been exceeding generous in his benefactions, and especially mindful of his friends and Patrons, is there not some ground for presuming that the Harlaston bell may have been set up by him as a memorial of Elena de Ardenne? The problem purchance may never satisfactorially solved, but at all events the evident antiquity of the bell renders neither of the above suppositions untenable."

We suggest to readers that of each of the above possible explanations for the bell being at Harelaston Church is quite feasible, but it may be thought that a reference to the Vernons in each of the gentlemen's suggestions tends to give more support to the theory involving the Vernon's family. The matter remains open to discussion, but it is evident that in Harlaston Church we have a very, very old and rare bell.

The third and largest bell is not so interesting. It has a diameter of 27" and has the inscription: "J. Warner & Sons, Crescent Foundry, London, 1856".

The Organ

The first Organ officially installed was small, one manual Pipe Organ in a case bought second hand in about 1867 at a cost of £57. 5s. 10d.

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The organ was rebuilt in 1946 when another manual and more stops were added and it was electrified at a cost of £475. It was dedicated to the memory of the men and women who gave their lives in the Service of their Country in 1939 - 1945. IN 1964 further additions were made and it was generally overhauled.

Memorial Tablets in Church

A number of Tablets have been placed in Church over the years in memory of members of various families. They are not described here as they can be seen on a visit to the Church.

Windows

In 1851/ 52 an East Window was given by Mr Taylor and this appears to have been a plain window, or at least the records do not show it as stained.

In 1852 the window was apparently removed and replaced with a stained glass window which was given along with three obituary windows by Rev R.R. Bloxam, W.D. Webb, Esq., and Thos. Flavell Esq.

Around 1861 two Chancel Windows with four scriptural piecess were given by Mr and Mrs Webb as a thank offering for the birth of Mrs Charles Webb's child.

In 1894 Miss Susan Neville, with the approval of the Church, arranged for the stained glass East Window already mentioned to be moved to the north of the Pulpit and for it to be replaced with another stained glass window (subject 'The Ascension') in memory of her brother, John Neville, J.P., of Haselour Hall, who died on Ascension Day 1892, aged 77 years, and of her parents, Thomas and Mary Neville. This window arouses more than usual interest because it shows 12 Apostles.

Benefactions or Bequeathments

In 1820 Charles Webb, Esq., by Will dated 7th Day of April, left the sum of £300 in stock, the interest from which from which was to be distributed at Christmas annually in clothing to the poor inhabitants of Harlaston.

In 1840 the sum of £15 was deposited in Tamworth Savings Bank the interest thereon to be appropriated to the purchase of Common Prayer and other bound books as rewards to the children attending Harlaston Church Sunday School at Christmas yearly for ever.

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In 1842 the Rev John Hanbury, M.A. gave the sum of £10 to be invested and the interest arising therefrom appropriatedyearlyin all respects as the before mentioned £15.

(Details of all the above mentioned are displayed on a wooden plaque hanging on the west wall of the church).

In 1932 a Memorial was set up with £400 left in the Will of Miss E.M. Webb for the maintenance of Memorials of the Webb family in Harlaston.

Miss E.M. Webb also left in her will the sum of £100 for the sick and poor of the Parish and for the Sunday School.

Miss E.M. Webb bequeathed the Manor House to the church in 1932. It was tenanted until 1969 when it was sold to Major Conningham.

In 1974 Miss L.A.W. Fletcher left £150 for the upkeep of her gravestone and of the Churchyard.

In 1915 the sum of £20 was received having been left in the Will of Miss Mary Ann Elton for the upkeep of the family Cault and graves.

Miss Alice Lee left £10 to be invested, the interest to provide a book annually for the best girl in Harlaston School.

A Sheffield Plate Chalice - a gift from the Rev John Watkins, Rector of Clifton Parish and the chapelry of Harlaston on 29th August 1818.

Silver Chalice dated 1910 - origin not known.

A Silver Paten dated 'Harlaston 1853' origin not known.

A Silver Flagon presented to the Church: 'To the Glory of God' and in memory of Henry Neville Oldfield, October 6th 1877 by Miss Oldfield.

Brass Altar Cross with onyx stones, the gift of Mrs L.A. Pritchard, wife of the Rector, in 1902.

A Sanctuary Lamp in memory of Sarah Ann Latham given by her husband, Christmas 1941.

A Processional Cross given by the children of Charles amd Ann Wilcox on 5th October 1941.

Oak Vestment Chest given in 1974 by Gladys Mercer and Alexander Wylie Mercer in memory of Percy Harold Mercer who died on 8th November 1972.

Altar Book and Rector's Book in memory of Annie Louisa Stretton (nee Hellaby) 1875-1957, by her daughters Catherine Nancy Bennion and Florence Joan Stretton in 1958. A trust was also formed with a gift from them for the upkeep and renewal of the above books.

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The Litany Book - a gift from the Mothers' Union, Harlaston in loving memory of Edith Lawson, 13th November 1930.

The Clock was placed on the Tower in 1948 to the treasured memory of Sybil, beloved wife of Percy Harold Mercer, who entered into rest 24th February 1947.

The Churchyard Gates were given in memory of William Barlow Lietch, Rector of the Parish 1941 to 1953 by his widow, parishioners and friends.

The Brass Ewer at the font was given in loving memory of William Trevor Betts, aged 13 years, who entered into rest on 14th August 1940.

The Rector's Desk was given in memory of Merric Maurice Mercer and Elizabeth Harriet Mercer, his wife, by their children, Christmas 1928.

The altar was given in memory of Edith Lawson.

The Litany Desk was given anonymously in 1929.

The Communion Table was given by Jane Lees "In memory of 1907".

The Sunday School

In January 1979 Dr Martin Airey and his wife, Eve, started the present Sunday School which they hold at their house each Sunday morning, except the first Sunday in each month, at their home in Manor Lane. They started with twelve members, but this has now risen to twenty-four.

For twenty-three years prior to 1979 no Sunday School was held, but there is little doubt from Church records that one had been in existence from time to time ever since the separate Parish was formed in the mid 19th Century.

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The Rectory

Shortly after Harlaston was constituted a separate Parish, the first incumbentmade an application to the Diocese to provide a Rectory House. The Rectors of Clifton Campville and Elford had to make what appeared to be statutory enquiries to confirm that a Rectory House had never been in existence in the Parish.

Following this, George Clack, an Architect from Sheffield, was engaged to survey and prepare plans and estimates. His report indicated that on the land earmarked there was no material of any kind on the site suitable for use in the new structure, but that an old, dilapidated farm house which would have to be pulled down  contained some materials to the value of £50 which could be used. His estimate of the cost of erecting a new Rectoty House was £900 not taking into account the £50 worth of material on the site. The Rectory was built shortly afterwards at a cost of £1000 which was borrowed from Queen Anne's Bounty Fund. The plans for the Rectory House and the Architect's hand written estimates and specification are held at the Record Office, Lichfield.

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The Rectory House consisted of the building as it is today plus additional outbuildings including a two stalled stable and coach house which were demolished in the 1960's when part of the property was sold to Dr. B. Kilkenny.

It ceased to be a Rectory in 1977 and was later sold to the present owner occupiers, Mr and Mrs D. King.

The Old and New Schools.

The first recorded reference to a school at Harlaston was in the WIll of Charles Webb dated 7th April 1820. He was born in Harlaston, but died at Bedford. His Will referred to a sum of £3000 for the purchase of land to build and endow a Parish School at Harlaston. We are unable to comment further on this. In fact the first school was built in 1851 by public subscription at a cost of £108. A porch was added to commemorate the Victoria Jubilee.

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Adverts A.E. Thornely lived in Winterdyne and Palmers owned the shop until 2023

2 postcards taken in the early C20th.

Advert 

four adverts 

Glebe Cottage - Now Demolished.

In 1968 the old school was sold to be converted to a private dwelling by Mr Bernard White. During the conversion the porch was removed but the commemoration stone was laid in the paving stones. It is now owned and occupied by Mr and Mrs J Whitehouse.

In 1936 the school took on the status of a Junior and Infants' School.

In 1960 the new school in Manor lane was opened and in 1975 extensions were added.

For many years the school house was Glebe Cottage, which stood next to the School, but was eventually demolished because of its dangerous state. The site is now occupied by a modern dwelling, the home of Mr and Mrs Tony Miner.

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School Group 1920

The following is an extract from the first entry in the First School Log dated 6th November 1876.:-

"Emma Adelaide Mayers. Entered upon my duties as Mistress of this School on October 3 1876..... Upon commencing my duties I found the school children out of order on account of the harvest holidays. The school has not been placed under government until now. I am the first certified teacher..... The children are much improved in their manners and are progressing favourably in their studies, particularly in arithmetic. Among the infants, the first class have been taught addition sums and now do them very well. They have also improved in their writing. The second class have improved in writing and reading. The third or ABC class have not progressed as favourably as I could wish."

A further entry on December 11th:- 

"Mrs Webb paid a visit to the school; reprimanded two of the girls for bad conduct in church the day before.... Asked the names of the children who have attended the most regularly and shown the most attention and good conduct."

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The Manor House

It would be difficult for visitors to Harlaston not to notice the Tudor Manor House, recently restored, standing on Main Street. A traditionally constructed house on a full timber frame, the house is surmounted by a clay tiled roof and is a listed Grade II building of historical interest. The Manor dates back to 1540 and has many fine features of that time.

The front door, an example of 16th Century workmanship, has a special preservation order of its own. Inside the house there are many fine solid oak beams denoting some wealth by the original owner. Of particular interest