Elementary education in Bedford, 1868-1903: Bedfordshire ecclesiastical census, 1851
In the nineteenth century most of the education of Bedford was provided and run by the Harpur Trust, at both elementary and secondary levels (Bedford, Bedford Modern, the High School and Dame Alice Harpur schools). This study shows the extent of the contribution to elementary education by the Harpur Trust and its decline at the end of the century because of rise of state regulation.
The second half of the book contains a summary of the religious census taken in every parish in Bedfordshire on Sunday 30 March 1851. The returns provide a snapshot (albeit open to interpretation) of the religious allegiances of Bedfordshire people at mid-century. For a critique of the results, especially as they affect Methodist congregations, see BHRS vol. 92 The rise of Methodism by Dr Jonathan Rodell.
About the author(s)
Reviews
‘D. W. Bushby’s brace of articles represent a valuable addition to our knowledge of developments in education in Bunyan country. … The [first] study is illuminating on many aspects of education inside and outside Bedford and represents assiduous attention to the educational records of the trust and the town. … [It] includes interesting details of the organisation of the school and the salaries of teachers and pupil-teachers and also the relationships between the Harpur Trust and the school board and town council at the turn of the century. … It is a highly concentrated study which will be a mine of information on nineteenth century and earlier education in Bedford, …. The second part of the volume, the Ecclesiastical Census, Bedfordshire, March 1851, is a valuable archive to appear in published form. It provides the basis of an accurate and not merely impressionistic estimate of the balance of denominations in the county, and offers parallel evidence to that of school log books.’ – Peter Boyers. History of Education, 1977, vol. 6, no. 1, p. 76, 78-9.
Publication details
Elementary education in Bedford, 1868-1903 [and] Bedfordshire ecclesiastical census, 1851, edited by D. W. Bushby. Luton, BHRS, 1975. 200p. map. BHRS vol. 54
ISBN 0 85155 036 3
Out of print
This volume is available as an ebook from Boydell & Brewer for £19.99.
Individual members of the Society can purchase the ebook for £4.00.
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