Hitchin holds a unique place in the history of education as it boasts the world’s last remaining purpose-built Monitorial schoolroom. The grade II* listed building opened in 1837, but the school was founded in 1810, a full 80 years before the government finally provided free elementary education for all.
How we got to where we are today:
|
1808 |
Joseph Lancaster visits Hitchin and inspires local benefactors to set up a school in Dead Street |
|
1810 |
William Wilshere donates an old malthouse building which is converted into a school for 200 boys and 100 girls |
|
1837 |
The Monitorial Schoolroom is built |
|
1853 |
The Gallery Classroom is built, with room to teach 110 boys |
|
1854 |
Mr. William John Fitch is appointed Headmaster. He is given a 6 month contract |
|
1857 |
The newly-built Infants’ and Girls’ School opens and the Headmistress’ and Headmaster’s House are completed |
|
1862 |
The name of ‘Dead Street’ is changed to ‘Queen Street’ in honour of Queen Victoria’s Silver Jubilee |
|
1899 |
Mr. Fitch retires after 45 years as Headmaster. Mr. Thomas Pengelly takes over. Mr. Fitch is allowed to stay on in the Headmaster’s House |
|
1902 |
Mr. Fitch dies peacefully in his sleep |
|
1905 |
Two new classrooms are built alongside the Monitorial Schoolroom |
|
1917 |
Mr. Pengelly retires and Mr. William Corbett takes his place as Headmaster |
|
1929 |
Mr. Corbett becomes the first Headmaster of the new Wilshere Dacre School. The Queen Street School is scheduled to close, but there is insufficient capacity in the town so it carries on as Queen Street JMI |
|
1969 |
The school finally closes and the remaining children move to the brand new Whitehill School |
|
1970 |
The School becomes an annex of Hitchin College and is re-named the Queen Street Activity Centre (QUSAC) |
|
1975 |
Local collector and educationalist Jill Grey successfully campaigns for the site to be given listed building status, preserving the historic buildings for the future |
|
Aug 1990 |
Hitchin College now has new premises and QUSAC is no longer needed. Hertfordshire County Council puts the site up for sale |
|
Jan 1991 |
Led by the late Brian Limbrick MBE, the Hitchin British Schools Trust is established to save the buildings and preserve them as a Museum |
|
Jan 1994 |
The Hitchin British Schools Trust takes legal possession of the site |
|
1996 |
The first visitors are welcomed to the, partially open, Museum |
|
1998 |
The Monitorial Schoolroom is opened to the pubic following repairs to the ceiling |
|
2006 |
The Headmaster’s House is opened to the public following a comprehensive restoration by the Museum’s volunteers |
|
2008 |
The Museum achieves Accredited Museum status |
|
2012 |
The Museum’s volunteers are honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service |
