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The Old Infant’s School
In the early 19th century, the day-to-day work in the parish was often done by the Curate, a clergyman. The Rev. Robert Ousby was Curate from 1825 until his death in 1857. When he came to Kirton he found a poor parish so he set about trying to change things for the better.
Why the school was needed
He established an Infants’ School in 1835 and a building for it was erected in 1837.
Literacy levels were low and Ousby was distressed to see very young children playing in the dirt of the streets, often unkempt and unsupervised, whilst their parents worked in the fields.
Most of the money was raised by public subscription, though he made a large contribution to the cost himself. This building was in use as a school, then was used as the school canteen, until fairly recent times and is now a private residence.
Now walk a little way up St Andrew’s Street towards the church.
