National School - Blakeney (General)

by jerigby , Friday, September 27, 2013, 20:07 (4069 days ago)

In the book "Aspects of Awre" it mentions "A locally important couple, Henry and Sarah Morse were buried in 1840 and 1841. Sarah died first aged 37 years and her husband followed, aged 41 years, leaving six children orphaned. The couple are described as "the first master and mistress of the National School in the Parish. It goes on to say that "However the village school (now the Village Hall) was not opened until 1855. Where was the earlier school? Was it in Awre or Blakeney or some other building?"

I have also read that "Henry Poole founded two National Infants Schools for hamlets around Viney Hill and Blakeney Hill in the south". The Victoria History of Gloucestershire for Awre says that "The village's Old National School at the bottom of Lowfield Lane was in use as a public library in 1879. In 1905 the building was vested in trustees for church purposes abnd remained in uyse as a church hall in 1989".

In the 1841 census for Awre (very faint) Henry is a widower and his children are:-

Phoebe 15
Sarah 10
Arthur 8
Alfred 5
Sophia 3
Matilda 1

The baptism details for Arthur Morse on 3 April 1831 in Blakeney Chapel gives Henry's occupation as "Master of the National School." The residence is the Tithing of Blakeney.

I am not syure that Henry Morse is part of my Morse tree, George Morse, my three times great grandfather was baptised at Blakeney Chapel on 14 May 1758. The vicar officiating at the ceremony was the Reverend Jackman Morse who may also have been related but so far has not been proved.

Does anyone know any details of this "National School" and any details about Henry and Sarah and their family?