Statement of Peter Lyth (with cross examination), a 13 year old boy who alleged he was excessively beaten by William Carr, the school master.
Archive and reference: The National Archives: MH 12/11198/297. Original reference: 7614/851.
Date of letter: 4 March 1851.
Poor Law Union: Wolstanton and Burslem Poor Law Union.
Union counties: Staffordshire. Parish county: Staffordshire
CIRCUMTEXT:
Witness Statement concerning the complaint over the beating of Peter Lyth, pauper child.
TEXT
The Examination of Peter Lyth, taken on oath before Harry Bernard Farnell, Poor Law Inspector.
Who says, I am turned 13 years of age. I am an orphan and have been in the Workhouse three years, my father Charles Lyth has been dead three years, and my Mother Hannah died the day after my Father was buried.
I was punished by Mr Carr the School Master on Thursday the second day of January 1851. I was in the School room before dinner, when Thomas Hancock was stooping down and by accident I ran against him and he fell. Lycett told the Master I had pushed the boy over and the Master struck me twice once on each hand – I went with the rest of the boys to dinner and the Schoolmaster sent my dinner back to have the Beef taken away- I refused to eat the Potatoes – Lycett told the Master that I had been pointing my finger and gripping my fist at Hancock – the School master beat me – he also beat me all round the room after the Master left and I then asked for a piece of string and the School Master said there was a piece on the desk, seeing a piece lie on the Master’s desk which I seized and twisted round my neck in a passion, the School Master again beat me very much, he got my head between his legs and beat me a great deal He then sent me to the Nurse as my arm was bleeding from a blow from the cane.
Mr Wellum advised that I should not be put to work again as my arm was hurt – I assisted to clean the Forms and Desk afterwards, I went to the Day Room with the other boys for Supper, the School Master said he would not have such a scoundrel with the other boys and sent me back to the School room, my Supper was afterwards sent to me to the School Room. The School Master did not speak to me about the consequence of the act I had attempted. The School Master often beat the boys without sending for the Master. I recollect James Hancock in particular. When the School Master sent for me to his room he said I must sign the paper which I then did he then asked me if it was correct, I said no, he said I must say it was correct or he would again punish me
(Signed) Peter Lyth.
Document 2 – Witness Statement. Statement of Peter Lyth (with cross examination), a 13 year old boy who alleged he was excessively beaten by William Carr, the school master.
- What punishments does Peter (13 years old) receive or witness in the workhouse?
- The Master hit him twice on 1 hand. The Schoolmaster took away his beef. The Schoolmaster beat him once the Master had left.
- What rules are being broken by the workhouse staff?
- The master and Schoolmaster were not both present for the corporal punishment.
- What does the evidence suggest about workhouse staff?
- They were prepared to break the rules.
- What does the cross examination statement (Document 2b) reveal about the workhouse staff?
- They are trying to lie/cover up their actions. But 1 woman (Mrs Wellum) seems sympathetic towards the children.
- What does the nature of the evidence reveal about authorities? This is a witness statement – what does that tell you about the authorities?
- That they were interested in interviewing or investigating illegal punishments against children.