Baptist Schools, Clayton, Bradford

NEW BAPTIST SCHOOLS AT CLAYTON – On Saturday the ceremony of laying the memorial stone of new day and Sunday school-rooms, in connection with the General Baptist Chapel at Clayton took place. It appears that for some time the Sunday School has been conducted in the old village school, which has been found far too small, and about two years ago it was decided by the congregation to erect larger and more commodious premises of their own. A plot of land was secured in a central and most eligible situation near to the chapel. Designs were furnished by Mr Thomas Horsfield, architect, Halifax, from which it appears that the building will be erected in the Gothic style of architecture. The form is rectangular. The large rom will be 18 yards by 12 yards wide within. The room will be lofty and well-ventilated, the roof being open timbered. Four class-rooms are provided at each end, and a small vestry behind. The front elevation will have two projecting gables, with a three-light window. In each also there will be a small centre gable with a window on each side, surmounted with finials and neat spire. Separate entrances will be provided for the boys and girls, with ample playgrounds on every side of the building. Tenders for the erection having ben invited, those of the following contractors were accepted, namely: Masons, Messrs John Drake and Sons, Thornton; joiners, Messrs Henry Illingworth and Sons; plasterer, Mr A Bolton; slater, Mr James Smithies, all of Great Horton. The entire cost of the building, including the site, has been estimated at about £1,700. The building will be capable of accommodating from 500 to 600 children. … The memorial stone, which is placed in front of the building at about three feet from the ground, has the following inscription engraved upon it: “General Baptist Centenary School, 1871. This stone was laid by Jeremiah Robertshaw Esq, of Bradford” [Bradford Observer 29 May 1871 page 3]

Silver trowel inscribed “Presented to Jeremiah Robertshaw Esq of Bradford. By the scholars of the General Baptist Sunday School at Clayton on his laying the memorial stone of the new schools at Clayton. 27 May 1871.”

Clayton Baptist Infant school opened on the 9th June 1873, with 41 boys and 26 girls attending on the first day. The fee was 2d per week, although 21 of the children were part time and only paid a 1d. The age range was 4 - 7 years but some were sent before their 3rd birthday. The school was divided into first, second, and baby classes and the teacher was Sarah Tattersall who was helped by pupil teachers.

Reference        Bradford Observer 29 May 1871 page 3