News

Travels & Travails

Two hundred years ago, in 1825, Samual Wilderspin began a mission to set up Infant Schools around the country on behalf of the Infant School Society. 

They shared a growing optimism that early intervention could improve the quality of life and alleviate delinquency among the poorest in society, in the expanding industrial towns and in rural communities too. 

The Society had been established the year before, in 1824, and commissioned Wilderspin to travel the around the country until such time a Model School could be built in London, and to promote infant education in England.

Travelling on foot, by road and sea Wilderspin responded to enquiries and requests to advise and assist clients throughout the British Isles from his base in London. 

Wilderspin’s tours included lectures too.

When the Infant School Society folded in 1828, Wilderspin was forced to rely on his own resources to continue this work independently and promote his own System of Infant Education.  He moved to Cheltenham, and with the help of his wife, daughters and travelling agents, he claims to have helped to set up two thousand schools across Britain and Ireland.

One of the books published by Wilderspin was “Early Discipline”, published in 1832, which chronicled his earlier travels and experiences.

Wilderspin’s travels usually involved brief periods of a few weeks, often with return visits to inspect newly established schools which had adopted his System.  Lengthier residences included Dublin, Liverpool and Barton upon Humber where his Model School and Playground of 1845 has been restored.

The early promise of a Model School by the fledgling Society, Wilderspin guessed, was just “castles in the air”.   Barton, however, delivered what the Infant School Society could not; an opportunity to finally have a Model School to demonstrate a System of infant schooling which he had devised.  This is why the restored School has been described by English Heritage as “one of the most important schools in England”.

This year and next, we will be marking the bicentenary of the establishment of the Infant School Society with an exhibition and special events.

Posted on:27th April 2025

Blood, Tears, Toil & Sweat

We’re planning a trip back to the 1940s in the summer to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

There’ll be a vintage fair, nostalgic films in a wartime cinema and live performances in our ENSA theatre.

Children can experience a lesson in the evacuees’ classroom immerse themselves in some fun 40s crafty activities.

Historic vehicles will fill the car park and there’ll be a NAFI café in the Playground.

Pop up displays, demonstrations and even some dancing will be the icing on the cake.

It’s happening on Sunday 13 July between 10.30pm and 3.30pm, and thanks to funding support from the Town Council and National Lottery Community Fund it’s all FREE!

Stalls for the Vintage Fair can be booked now (01652) 635172 or wilderspinschoolmuseum@gmail.com.

Posted on:25th April 2025

The Early Memoirs of William Smith Hesleden

Dr. Martin Watkinson FSA stumbled across the memoirs of Barton solicitor and antiquarian in an American university library and discovered that they shed light on life in the town at the end of the 1700s.

Barton Civic Society at Wilderspin, in the Joseph Wright Hall

Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. £4 non-members.

Posted on:15th April 2025

Spring Quiz

Doors and refreshments open 6.30pm for heads down at 7pm.

Teams of up to six. £2 per person.

Book on 01652 635172.

Posted on:8th April 2025

Lifelong Learning at Barton

Six weeks archaeology course with Simon Tomson looking at Harversting the Sea, The Voynich Manuscript, and The British Monastic Experinece.

26 February – 2 April, Wednesdays at 1.30pm in the Joseph Wright Hall.

£12 per session (members’ discount)

Full details available from lifelonglearningatbarton@gmail.com

Posted on:21st February 2025

Festival of Britain

We’re planning a display about the Festival and the visits pupils from the Church School made to London in 1951.

If you remember those trips or have recollections or mementos of the Festival, we’d love to know.

Te. (01652) 635172 or email wilderspinschoolmuseum@gmail.com

Posted on:11th February 2025

Rainy Days Memories

Drop in anytime to our latest Winter Warmer between 11 and 3 share your memories of wet playtimes and rainy days indoors as a child.

Free entry

History Underfoot archaeology taster for kids this half term. 45 minutes sessions at 11.15am & 1pm. £2

Church School tours (45 minutes) at 11am and 1.30pm. Tel (01652) 635172 to book. £5

Posted on:10th February 2025

Barton Church School and its Wilderspin Story

One hour guided tour with refreshments to follow and a year’s free readmission for just £5 per person.

Find out why this is “one of the most important schools in England”.

Sunday 2 March 11am & 1.30pm

Telephone (01652) 635172 to book.

Posted on:24th January 2025
Posted on:1st December 2024

The Night Before Christmas

11am – 3pm

Free admission with refreshments

Christmas Quiz

Children’s activities

Museum tours at 11am and 1.30pm (£5 or FREE with Annual Ticket) – booking not required

Back to School talk (Elizabethan Trade) at 1.30pm (£4) – booking not required

Posted on:1st December 2024