Clark's Old School, Wigglesworth

Following the great news that the funding target has been achieved, the Trustees of the Old School held an update presentation on 30 January. Over 40 villagers heard the latest about the project and saw the final set of plans, ahead of work commencing in March. A copy of the presentation given at this meeting is available by clicking on this Old School January 2010 Presentation link. It is hoped that an Open Day will be held later in the year when villagers and anyone interested will be able to see how the project work is progressing at that point. Full details will be circulated closer to the time. News and pictures will continue to be posted on the website as the project progresses.

The Trustees of the Old School are pleased to announce that funding secured from The Leader Programme for the Yorkshire Dales means the overall target has been achieved and the refurbishment and redevelopment of the Old School can be completed. Work should begin soon - watch this space for more details.

100 Club draw made:     The December draw - worth £100! - for the Old School 100 Club took place recently, and was won by C. Graham. There are still spaces available if you want to support the Old School project. More information is available using the contact link below.

Clark's Old School Project

Clark's Old School - or Clark's Free School for the Children of Wigglesworth (to give it its proper title) - is what was the village school. After the school closed in the 1960s, the Trustees maintained the building as a community facility for the village. However, over the years, due to limited resources and changing demands, the Old School had started to deteriorate.

Shortly after the Millennium a campaign was launched to bring the Old School up to date. In 2008 the Trustees secured Big Lottery funding to support the redevelopment, and the village has since been fundraising and endeavouring to achieve the overall total so the work can begin.

Once the Old School buildings have been renewed and redeveloped, it is planned that a series of projects and activities will take place based in the new facilities.

Click on this Old School 2009 Presentation link to see a copy of the presentation made to the village in January 2009. This also shows plans and elevations for the work as it was envisaged at that time.

A copy of the presentation given at the recent Update meeting in January 2010 is available by clicking on this Old School January 2010 Presentation link. This shows the plans and information as scheduled for the start of the project in March.

A little history about the Old School

Clark's Old School was built as the result of a legacy in 1798 from one Lawrence Clark, who was a pedlar and who died in 1789, and clearly often visited the village. In his will he stated that:

"And as to for and concerning all the rest residue and remainder of my Personal Estate and Effects...I Give and Bequeath the same and every Part thereof...In the First Place...in the erecting of a school at Wigglesworth aforesaid..."

“Then upon Further Trust...apply the clear yearly Interest and Produce...to purchase Books for poor Children...to and for the Benefit of a Schoolmaster...for teaching Children without Expence to their Parents at Wigglesworth aforesaid..."

“And it is my Will that the said School shall be for ever called Clarks Free School for the Children of Wigglesworth...

Having been given a piece of "wasteland" at the edge of the village by the local manor and landholders, the original Trustees agreed on 23 December 1797...

“...to front the School towards the Road...that the School shall be nine yards long within the Walls and six yards wide, Oak Timber for Roof, Deal floor, six yards high from the Threshold...Windows to be about four feet high...”.

Robert Silverwood (“of Giggleswick, Mason”) and William Wildman were appointed to build the school in April 1798 and work seems to have progressed speedily, as Robert Silverwood paid bills across the Spring and Summer for work undertaken. The total costs in 1798 came to £157/0/4 paid by Robert Silverwood, plus £48/14/6 incurred as his own costs.

On 28 December 1798, the Trustees “...having viewed and examined the school unanimously approve of the Building...”

On 7 May, 1799, the Trustees met to agree the “Statutes Ordinances Resolutions and Orders” for the school. At the same meeting, they elected“Thomas Wildman of Longpreston” Master of the school.

Between May and November the school hours were from 7.30am until 11.30am and from 1.30pm until 5.30pm. Between November and May, the hours were from 8.00am until 12.00 midday and from 1.00pm until 5.00pm. Thomas Wildman was paid his first salary instalment in November 1799, and, as the lists of pupils are recorded in mid-November and mid-May, it is logical to assume that the School opened in its new building in November 1799.

Free education for the children of Wigglesworth continued in the same premises until the school was closed around 1962. Pupils were then educated at the primary school in Rathmell, which is where the village children attend school today.

When the school closed, the Trustees of the school retained their control of the premises, and received the agreement of the Charity Commissioners so that “Clarks Old School” should continue be used for the benefit of all the children and residents of Wigglesworth.

How You Can Help

Even though a Big Lottery Fund grant has been secured, the balance of the overall project cost has to be achieved, as well as subsequent funding and support for planned projects and activities.

Donations, ideas for fund-raising and offers of help and support in kind would be most welcome.

The village has undertaken several fund-raising activities, and is also running a 100 Club, which has a few spare places still available. The cost is £12 for a year, with a monthly prize of £12 (and higher prizes in June and December). If you are interested in participating please use the contact link below, and details will be forwarded to you.

If you want to get involved in the project, or have an idea for how the Old School can be used once the work is complete, then please let us know, using the contact link below.

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click here to send a message to the Trustees or to request more information.