1. The Free Grammar School

2. Dr. Clark's Charity School

3. Cross Street Infant School and the British School, Spencer Street

Index of Persons, Places and Subjects

Dr Clark's Charity School begun in 1712 and continued until about 1840, and in addition to other valuable material the book includes a letter from a former pupil part of which is as follows:

A highly esteemed member and officer of the Congregational Church here, who also is an esteemed citizen, and who has already been chosen to the office of Mayor of St. Albans, I mean, Mr. GEORGE SLADE, was a scholar in this school, and is a living witness to its good and elevating work. He has given, by my request the following account of it:-

"I was two years at the school, under Mr. WILLIAM BRANDON, 1827-1829, during which he was an invalid, suffering from gout and rheumatism. I was present at his bedside when he departed in 1829. He gave me several books, and his blessing. JAMES COLE, who was formerly master, although infirm, conducted the school for a few months, until Mr. JOHN GOODLAND was installed. Mr. Goodland came from Jamaica with the Martineau family, who had plantations in that island, and he had acted as overseer there. He was an exceedingly clever and good man, a true, devout, and practical Christian. He was famous for the beautiful models which he made of Public Buildings, places of worship, and the like, both in St. Albans and throughout the county. ...

"The Scholars attending the school came from Park Street, Colney Street, Sandridge, and the surrounding districts, as well as St. Albans. The number in the school varied from 80 to 130; the fees were 4d. to 6d. a week. We had only one week's holiday in the year, which was in harvest time. Twenty boys were clothed and educated free, and twelve girls, down to the year 1828; after then only 20 boys. Many who passed through the school became eminent mechanics. One, MILEMAN, who went to South Africa, by his mechanical skill so benefited Pietermaritzburg in Natal, that he was elected to the mayoralty twice, and is now one of the leading members of the Legislative Assembly there. JOHN GARFORTH, of Park St1eet, WILLIAM POLLARD, of Sandridge, and many others who were educated in the school, became useful and eminent men in various trades and professions. I have lost sight, during so long a lapse of time, of many who attended the school; but I know that they received a useful and sound education, one which would strengthen them to fight the battle of life here and prepare for the ever­lasting life hereafter. The HOLY SCRIPTURES were revered, and used in the school regularly, and the principles of plain, honest Christianity maintained. Prayer was offered, before and after the school exercises, in a simple, forcible and devout manner."

Richard Gibbs founded the Herts Advertiser, and was brother to my great-great-grandfather, John Gibbs. Previously it had only been assumed that he worked in the house at the base of the Clock Tower and nothing was known about his apprenticeship.