Archive and reference: The National Archives: MH12/10324/306
Original reference: 11654/1852
Date of letter: 14 April 1852
Poor Law Union number: 374
Poor Law Union: Clutton Poor Law Union
Union counties: Somerset
Parish county: Somerset
CIRCUMTEXT:
Clutton Union April 8th 1852 Copy
TEXT:
It appeared on an inspection of the report of the Visiting Committee that two of the Boys had been improperly punished by the Schoolmaster, & they were called before the Board Their names and complaints are as follows. George [Brimble] of High Littleton, aged eleven years, states that the Schoolmaster had beaten him with cords across the shoulders, because he could not write, and that he was so beaten at the time when the alleged offence was committed. His jacket was on. The Boy was examined. Marks of bruises were found on both arms, [across] the back just below the shoulders, a large bruise on the left side under the arm and another on the right ear.
Joseph Gullick of Farmborough aged eight years, stated that the Schoolmaster beat him for messing his bed, with a stick. The beating took place in the Workhouse, his jacket was off. This boy was also examined – There were marks of severe bruises on both arms.
Mr Roff, the Master, stated that he had received no intimation whatever of any punishment having been inflicted by the Schoolmaster on these boys
Mr Fowler the Schoolmaster was called in, and admitted that he had punished the boys in the manner stated – He produced the cord, ( as Bed sacking cord) and the stick, ( a small withy twig). They were not instruments which had the sanction by the Board for such punishments.
Moved by Mr. Budgett seconded by Mr Perrin that it is the opinion of this Board that the schoolmaster in the infliction of punishment on George [Brimble] and Joseph Gullick has acted illegally and improperly. Carried unanimously. Moved by Mr Budgett seconded by Mr [Broribb] that the Schoolmaster be requested to resign his office. Moved as an amendment by Mr [Naist] seconded by Mr [Press] that the Schoolmaster be called in and reprimanded. On a show of hands the amendment was carried by four to three. The schoolmaster was accordingly called in and reprimanded by the Chairman
A letter was read (received during the sitting of the Board) from Mr Charles Fowler the Shoolmaster, tendering his resignation of his office on this day month. Resolved that such resignation be accepted and that the Clerk do issue advertisements for the election of a Schoolmaster on the 30th April, and that in addition to the usual papers, the advertisement be inserted in the Bristol Mercury and the London Times.
Document 3 -Extract from the Clutton Minute Book. Refers to a brief investigation into the actions of the schoolmaster, accused by George Brimble and Joseph Gullick (pupils) of overly severe punishment at the workhouse school.
- What punishments do George (11 years old) and Joseph (8 years) receive or witness in the workhouse?
- Beaten with severe bruises.
- What rules are being broken by the workhouse staff?
- The master and Schoolmaster were not both present for the corporal punishment, as the master was not informed. The schoolmaster used instruments which were not approved by the authorities.
- What does the evidence suggest about workhouse staff?
- They were prepared to break the rules. But they were also aware of the rules and wanted to cover up their behaviours.
- What does the nature of the evidence reveal about authorities? These are minutes from an investigation – what does that tell you about the authorities?
- That they were interested in interviewing or investigating illegal punishments against children.
- What were the consequences of the investigation – what does this tell you?
- The schoolmaster resigned. Implies that some allegations were taken seriously by the authorities.