The late Mrs. Sylvia Lewis, who had been Secretary of the Gateacre Society, was very much interested in these Academies. Since her early death I have done some research into the families who ran them.

All these Academies were, I think, instigated by the Revd William Shepherd who was for 56 years Minister of the Unitarian Chapel in Gateacre. He had his school in The Nook, Gateacre - his home - 'For sons of Unitarian Ministers and Laymen'. The success of his school may be measured by the distinguished careers which several of his scholars were to pursue.

Here is the result of my research into the School Teachers who came to Gateacre and opened their Academies.


J.B. 2007


HARRIETT, CATHERINE, AND EMMA EVANS

MARY, LYDIA AND SARAH ELLEN HUNT

SARAH BENTON

SARAH LAWRENCE

SARAH ANN HOLLAND