Social history from school logbooks.

School log books which were introduced by law in 1862 contain a surprising amount of information of value to the social historian. They were meant to follow a standard format but in fact vary tremendously depending on the interests of the head teacher.  This talk shows how much useful  information can be gleaned  from the entries about school and family life, weather conditions, health and discipline, teaching methods and indeed educational policy.  Although some entries are dry and boring, the majority give a good idea of life in the latter part of the 19^th century, and the talk gives numerous examples of entries from local village schools, all informative and many unintentionally amusing.

Wotton-under-Edge Civic Centre

Friday 25th September 2015 at 7.30pm

Visitors welcome.

Non-members £5 on the door