Exhibits

The Wilderspin room

The Wilderspin room is at the heart of the school, where period documents and archaeological evidence have been used to recreate Wilderspin’s original classroom.

This is complete with gas lighting and tiered seating gallery, designed so each pupil can see the teacher and teaching posts.

The picture on the left shows pupils from Bowmandale Primary School in Barton-upon-Humber looking on as John French acting as caretaker lights the gas lamps so they get a taste of 19th century school life.

Victorian classroom

At the school we have a Victorian classroom, where children and adults can experience a glimpse of Victorian school life.

The room is a recreation of a late Victorian classroom, restored complete with coal fire and gas lighting.

The classroom is equipped with authentic and well-used school desks, slate writing boards and chalks, blackboards and easels and even a dunce hat.

Interactive exhibition room

Explorer our interactive exhibits and take a journey through the life and times of Samuel Wilderspin and his work. Learn about his pioneering methods of teaching and his enthusiasm for play as a means of stimulating children to learn.

Discover how he travelled throughout England setting up infant schools.

Share the experiences of the children who attended the former Queen Street School (now Wilderspin National School). More detail here

The playground

The playground, central to Wilderspin’s philosophy, has been restored to its original layout, complete with flowerbeds and a maypole swing.

Even the original 10-hole children's privy has been installed.

Wilderspin blackboard

Also have a look at our blackboard, old fashioned none interactive chalk board that anyone can write on.