Teacher tells tales from the classroom

TALES from the classrooms of a Victorian school were shared with members of Hinckley Family History Society by a former teacher turned author.

Robert Elverstone, who taught for 35 years at Holliers Walk Primary School in Hinckley, gave a talk based on his book Absent For Want of Boots, a phrase used in the school’s logbook to explain the absence of some pupils from lessons in the 19th century.

Headteachers at Hinckley’s first Board School, which opened in 1872, were expected to keep a log book to document certain mandatory information.

Those at Albert Road included much more detailed and often personal information than required, which has provided fascinating insights for historical researchers.

Children were taught in classes of up to 100, with an emphasis on handwriting and discipline.

Artefacts produced by Mr Elverstone included finger stocks used to stop children ‘fiddling’ and a wooden gadget designed to force a child to sit up straight.

Albert Road became a council school when the education authority formed in 1903 and was renamed Albert Road Primary School in 1935.

It became Holliers Walk Primary in 1985 and closed in 2014.

Hinckley Family History Society will hold its annual general meeting and invite members to give updates on their researches on Thursday February 1 at St John’s Church on Coventry Road.

Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and refreshements will be provided.

Non-members will be welcome but will not have voting rights.

For more information 612261. call Hinckley