{"id":131,"date":"2023-11-15T13:11:23","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T13:11:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/?page_id=131"},"modified":"2023-11-15T13:12:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T13:12:17","slug":"gateacre-academies-by-joan-borrowscale","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/?page_id=131","title":{"rendered":"GATEACRE ‘ACADEMIES’ by Joan Borrowscale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ACADEMIES (OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS) IN AND AROUND LITTLE WOOLTON<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.

HARRIETT, CATHERINE, AND EMMA EVANS
<\/strong>
In the 1841 Census, living in Acrefield Road, Much Woolton, are Harriet, Catherine and Emma Evans. All three are Teachers and born in the County (i.e. Lancashire). Their ages are given as 25, 23, and 22 years respectively. They were living in what appears to be ‘Acrefield House’. They had one servant.

It was difficult in the beginning of this research to know where to begin, and to find where they were born, and who their parents were. The Liverpool Directories were checked and from 1829-1839 there were several Evans names listed, all teachers who had academies in the Liverpool area.

1829 John Evans – Portland Street, Academy
1832 John Evans – 98 Portland St, Teacher
John Evans – 10 Pleasant View, Kirkdale, Academy
1835 Fanny Evans – 5 Cazaneux St. Academy
Martha Evans – 9 Trafalgar St., Academy
1837 Fanny Evans – 5 Cazaneux St., Teacher
Harriett Evans – 9 Cazaneux St., Ladies Academy
1839 Harriett Evans – 9 Cazaneux St., Ladies Academy
John Evans – 4 Birkett St., Teacher

The Parish registers for their baptisms were searched, but none found. The registers for the Paradise Street, Unitarian Chapel were then checked, and it was here they were found, together with other children of Joshua Evans and Mary \u2026 his wife.

Esther – daughter of Joshua Evans and Mary – Merchant of Kirkdale
Born 12 April 1812 Bapt. 6 December, 1815

Catherine – daughter of Joshua Evans and Mary – Merchant of Kirkdale
Born 13 November 1813 Bapt 13 January 1814

Emma – daughter of Joshua Evans and Mary – Merchant of Kirkdale
John – son of Joshua Evans and Mary – Merchant of Kirkdale
Joshua – son of Joshua Evans and Mary – Merchant of Kirkdale
Thomas – son of Joshua Evans and Mary – Merchant of Kirkdale

Emma, John, Joshua, and Thomas were all baptised on the 19th May 1826 – of which more later.

Joshua Evans married Mary Smallwood at St. Peter, Bolton le Moors on the 12th October 1803 by Licence. And their first son William was baptised there on the 11th April 1807.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only Emma Evans remained in Gateacre as a teacher. In the 1851 Census she is living at Acrefield Cottage, Acrefield Road. She is still a teacher and has one lodger John Marshall a Barrister from Hull. and one servant, and she is now 45 years of age and born Liverpool. In the 1861 Census she has moved to Elm Cottage, Grange Lane, Little Woolton. Living with her are two nieces – Adeline Evans and Florence Evans both born in Manchester and their ages are 9 ys and 12 ys respectively. She has two lodgers Thomas Chambers, a Curate of Childwall Parish, and William Tweed a Civil Servant from Essex. Again she has one servant, Agnes Slater. The 1871 census show she is still living in Elm Cottage, Little Woolton with one scholar, Maria Winstanley, also one lodger – William Roe a Merchant from Ireland, and one servant Sarah Lawrence. In the 1881 census she is still at Elm Cottage, Grange Lane, Little Woolton aged 65 years and has ‘No Occupation’ but living on the interest of money. She has one lodger William Wright – Curate of Childwall, and one servant Isabella Boyle. In the Liverpool Directories Emma Evans is listed as having a Boarding and Day School. After 1881 her name disappears from these directories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joshua Evans – is listed in the directories from 1811-1824 as a ‘Mordant Manufacturer’ and living in Kirkdale. His name is no longer listed after this date. His burial is found in St Mary, Walton on the Hill registers. He died 10 July 1825. A small obituary was found in the Liverpool Mercury newspaper: ‘Suddenly Mr. Joshua Evans of Kirkdale’. We now know that the baptisms of his four children, Emma, John, Joshua, and Thomas as named above were baptised after his death. The baptism of Harriett has not been found. It was while searching the burial registers of St Mary, Walton that the burial of Harriett Evans was found, and she died in the Wirral, 1842. A copy of her death certificate was obtained and this stated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Accidentally drowned whilst bathing’ at Poulton cum Seacombe, and that she was a daughter of Joshua Evans a Merchant of Liverpool. The Coroner was the informant. This gives a description of how she died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT’<\/strong> ‘On Saturday evening about 9.0 o’clock as Miss Harriett Evans of Gateacre was bathing at Seacombe in the company of a servant at the garden steps of the house of her brother in law Mr Bevington, they were unhappily carried away by the tide and every effort to save them proved ineffectual. The body of Miss Evans was found on Sunday morning about half past one, and that of her unfortunate servant girl who accompanied her about two hours later.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her brother in law was Mr. John Bevington a Tea Broker – his wife was Esther (nee Evans) a sister of Harriet, Catherine and Emma Evans. Esther Bevington was living in Wavertree during the 1841 census, her occupation was also a Teacher. Living with her were her four children and her brother, Thomas Evans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Archives in Liverpool Library there is an index of documents relating to the Nicholson family of Gateacre. They were a Unitarian family, and belonged to the Unitarian Chapel in Gateacre. It was whilst looking through these archives a marriage was referred to between Mary Nicholson and William Evans (Merchant). They married 17th July 1834. They set up home in Manchester. The two nieces of Emma Evans living with her in Gateacre, Adeline and Florence were children of William Evans and Mary. Also found in the Nicholson Papers was a printed family tree of part of the Nicholson family by Francis Nicholson, and shows the connection of the Nicholson and Evans family. Also found was a rough sketch of the family of William Evans and Mary showing all their children and their families. This also states that the Evans family were of Wrexham, and had been connected with the Presbyterian chapel for many generations. A book by Palmer ‘A History of Non-Conformity in Wrexham’ gives a history and account of the Evans family back to the 17th century. The birth and baptism of Joshua Evans was found in this book along with all his siblings.

The death certificates were obtained for Emma and Catherine Evans and both died at Puddington, Cheshire. In the nearby Hamlet of Shotwick, the grave and headstone of Emma, and of Catherine was found. This reads:

Sacred to the Memory of Emma Evans
who died 14th September 1886
aged 74 years

Also Catherine Evans of Gateacre
who died 1st February 1878
aged 63 years.

Daughters of Joshua Evans –
Merchant of Liverpool<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This brings to an end our story of the three Evans sisters who came to Gateacre and opened their school for young gentlemen. They were descended from an ancient Presbyterian\/Unitarian family.

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MARY, LYDIA, AND SARAH ELLEN HUNT<\/strong> of LITTLE WOOLTON: SCHOOL MISTRESSES
<\/strong>
They were daughters of Alexander Hunt and Betty (nee Hardy) they married St Mary Stockport 19 November 1787. Alexander Hunt was a Cotton Merchant of Stockport and Chapel en la Frith, Derbyshire.

Mary was baptised at St Mary, Stockport 20 December 1794
Lydia was baptised at Chapel en la Frith 19 July 1806
Sarah Ellen was baptised Chapel en la Frith 11 February 1812.

Other children of the above marriage were:
Elizabeth 1789
Alexander 1791
William 1792
Alexander 1796
Thomas 1798
Ann 1800
Henry 1804

It is known from an Indenture dated 1837 found at Cheshire Record Office that Alexander Hunt Snr was one of a 5th part of an Indenture including Thomas Nicholson of Stockport. This related to a property in Bredbury, Cheshire. The Nicholson family of Gateacre were Unitarian, it would appear that the Hunt sisters may have been brought to Gateacre, by a member of the Nicholson family, to set up their school in Gateacre. Mary Hunt was there and she had a Preparatory School by 1833.

In the Liverpool ‘Mercury’ newspaper an advertisement is found under the heading ‘Education’ dated 4 January 1833:-

Miss Hunt respectively informs her friends that her Preparatory School for young Gentlemen will re-open on Wednesday 30th January, 1833.
Gateacre 1 January 1833<\/em>

The 1841 census return shows the three sisters: Mary aged 45 ys Lydia aged 30 years and Sarah Ellen aged 25 years were living at ‘Shrubbery House’ and all said to be ‘School Mistresses’. Shrubbery House has not been found on any map of Little Woolton. Next to them on the census was living the Greenough family – who were Stone Masons living in ‘Stone Cottages’ Belle Vale Road. There were 20 young gentlemen all under the age of ten years as the enumerator entered on the entry. Unfortunately part of this census entry was torn at the base, and some of the names of the boys cannot be read. But names that can be seen are:-

Thomas Arnold Carr, Henry Bayley, Francis Phillips, George H Phillips, John Curry, Thomas W Roberts, William Henry, John Jones, George Bolton, Gavin Tood, Joshua F Lace, Thomas Edward Hunt, Edmund Muspratt, William Molyneux, Hugh Mather, Benjamin Crossley, Robert Clifford Hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently, documents relating to the Phillips Family of Manchester have been found and amongst these was a letter from John Leigh Phillips to his parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gateacre Novr 30th 1827
My Dear Mamma – I hope by this time you are quite well. I write to tell you the holidays will begin on the 19th December on which day I shall be very glad to see you all. I suppose my little brother will be Christened soon. I am very well and happy. Miss Benton, and Miss Hunt desire that their kind respects to you and Papa. I send you my best love. Your affectionate son
John Leigh Philips<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We now know that Miss Hunt (Mary) was in Gateacre by 1827.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More about Miss Benton in another story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ten years later only Lydia Hunt is found in Woolton. In the 1851 census, we find her at Woolton Hill, Much Woolton, a School Mistress. She is 44 years of age, and born Derbyshire, ‘Frith’ and has with her another teacher Mary Duncan, born in Scotland, and 8 pupils, young boys aged from 5-10 years of age. Plus 2 servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The names of the boys were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edward Antrobus, Born Budworth Cheshire
Alfred Fletcher, Liverpool
William Rodger, Liverpool
Wm Basil Dixon, Wakefield Yorkshire
William Elliston, Liverpool
Charles E Elliston, Liverpool
William Richardson, Manchester
John Boyd, Liverpool<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 1861 Census shows that Lydia is living in Lymm with sisters Sarah Ellen Ross, and Ann Hunt. She is now 54 years of age, and born Chapel en la Frith. In the 1871 Census she is listed at 27 Church Road, Much Woolton, but is now retired. Her name is not found in the 1881 Census in Woolton. Her death was registered in the year 1880 – and a copy of her death certificate was obtained. She died in Prestwich, Lancashire 5th January aged about 70 years. Sadly she died in the Asylum there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary Hunt died at Scarborough 1846 aged 51 years, and is buried in the Churchyard of St Peter, Stockport along with her parents and other members of her family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTION IN ST PETER, STOCKPORT<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here lieth interred the remains of Alexander Hunt of Heaton Norris, who departed this life June 24th 1823 aged 61 years. Also Betty his wife who departed this life December 31st 1825 aged 56 years. Alexander son of Alexander & Betty Hunt who departed this life 27 August 1791 aged 5 months. John son of A & B Hunt who departed this life April 17th 1831 aged 34 years. Also William Roger their son who departed this life 6th March 1839 aged 36 years. Also Elizabeth Hunt their daughter who departed this life 29 October, 1841 aged 53 years. Also Mary their daughter who died at Scarborough 5th July 1846 aged 52 years.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Ellen Hunt married John Lingard Ross an East India Merchant, at Manchester Cathedral 14 January 1847. Sarah Ellen Ross died 1878 aged 66 years in Leamington, Warwickshire. There appears to be no children of this marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here then is the story of the Hunt sisters, Mary, Lydia, and Sarah Ellen, who came to Gateacre and taught some of the sons of Gentleman of Liverpool, and other places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reproduced above is a picture of Shrubbery House which was found in the Nicholson papers in Liverpool Library. Was this ‘The Nook’ the home of The Rev. William Shepherd. It is known from the Land Tax returns that Mary Hunt and Sarah Benton lived at the home of William Shepherd and so ran their school. As you will see later Mary Hunt and Sarah Benton were partners.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MISS SARAH BENTON 1777-1841: <\/strong>‘TEACHER OF GATEACRE’
<\/strong>
Sarah Benton was born c1777 a daughter of James Benton and Sarah Cobb. She was baptised at the Old Meeting House, Presbyterian Chapel in Birmingham, Warwickshire. James Benton and Sarah Cobb married at Banbury, Oxfordshire on the 5 April 1774.

In the Liverpool Mercury newspaper for Friday 14th January 1820 an advertisement is published :-

Miss Benton respectfully informs her friends and the public
her school will re-open on the 19th instant.
Gateacre 3 January 1820<\/em>

A further advertisement of the 4th January 1822 :-

Preparatory Boarding School for Young Gentlemen
at Gateacre, nr. Liverpool
<\/strong>Miss Benton respectfully informs her friends and the public
her school will re-open January 1822.
Gateacre, 4th January 1822<\/em>

We have now found that Sarah Benton was in Gateacre 10 years before Mary Hunt and her sisters. In the Land Tax records for Little Woolton, 1821-1825, Sarah Benton is occupying the house of Thomas Nicholson of Gateacre, a member of the well-known family of Unitarians who belonged to Gateacre chapel. Her name then disappears from the Land Tax.

A Will for Sarah Benton was found in an index of wills at the Lancashire Record Office. Her Will was made 1840. A copy of this was ordered, and received. It states that she was formerly of Gateacre, and afterwards of Leamington Priors in Warwickshire. She died at Kenilworth, Warwickshire August 1841. She leaves items to her friends and family, but most interesting is an item
‘I give and bequeath One Hundred Pounds to my late partner Miss Mary Hunt of Gateacre.’ She also left \u00a320 to Miss Sarah Lawrence of Leamington. More about Sarah Lawrence in another story.

Also she states ‘I wish my funeral to be plain, and not to take place until six or seven days after my decease, and to be buried in the nearest Unitarian Burying Ground to where I die’. At this point her burying place has not been found.

The 1841 census finds her living in Gloster St. Leamington:-
William Benton 60 Victualler Not born in the County
Sarah Benton<\/strong>\u00a065 Born in the County
Sarah Benton 15 Born in the County<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


This ends the story of Sarah Benton who came to Gateacre, in the early 19th century and commenced her school in the house of Thomas Nicholson at the
‘Nook’ or perhaps it was known as ‘The Shrubbery’ . From her Will it is now known her partner was Mary Hunt. We also know that she came from a prominent Unitarian family of Banbury, Oxfordshire, and of Leamington, Warwickshire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MISS SARAH LAWRENCE 1780-1859: SCHOOL MISTRESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Lawrence was born 1780 and baptised in the ‘Old Meeting House’ Presbyterian\/Unitarian in Birmingham, a daughter of Nathaniel Lawrence and Mary (Johnson). She was sister to Nathaniel 1782, Frances 1785, Henry 1788, Arabella 1788, Harriett 1789, and Catherine 1792.

The Lawrence family are well documented as they were a very prominent Unitarian family coming originally from Banbury, Oxfordshire. Amongst the early family were Ministers of the Church of England. In the year 1662 most of these Ministers dissented from the Church of England and were ejected, and became teachers, and opened their Academies\/or Private Schools over a large part of the Country.

Sarah Lawrence came to Little Woolton about 1823, and according to research done by Sylvia Lewis, she was governess to the children of Dr Crompton of Eaton Lodge, a Unitarian, and friend of Dr. William Shepherd. Dr Crompton is buried in the Churchyard of Gateacre Chapel. The Academy of Sarah Lawrence was at ‘Higher Grange’ Rose Brow on the site which is now Gateacre Grange. The previous building was then known as New Grange, a rather imposing building and according to the Land Tax for 1794 for Little Woolton the proprietor was Henry Fairclough and occupied by him. Henry Fairclough continued to pay the Land Tax until 1816, but in 1817 the entry states ‘the Executors of Henry Fairclough’.

In 1822 the Land Tax shows Sarah Lawrence as proprietor and occupier. In the Binns Collection in Liverpool Library there is a sketch of Gateacre Brow looking up the brow, with on the left the Bear and Ragged Staff Hotel. On the right in a similar position to the present Grange appears a three story building with 5 windows facing the road. As Sylvia Lewis says ‘it is only speculation that this sketch represents the Grange built by Henry Fairclough in 1794 and occupied by the girls boarding school. From the tythe map it is clear there is a sizeable building there’. This sketch will be dated sometime in the 18th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Lawrence wrote many books about her travels. She also published a book of poems one of which is quite relevant to our story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LINES FROM WOOLTON HILL<\/strong>
by Sarah Lawrence<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Twas earliest Spring, the scene
in wide magnificence lay stretched
before me
Hamlets and spires and scattered villages
and stately villas made a goodly show
Skirting the horizon’s edge, the distant hill
rose in glad beauty; at whose foot, the River
now to be traced by the light mist alone
That marks its progress, left the fancy free
To work its fairy wonders. O’er my head
The clear blue sky was cloudless towards whose
vault the skylark, tuning glad its earliest notes
Mounted on soaring wing a thrill joy
Speaking of days departed, touched my soul
The lovely scene now glowed with fairer light
The light of young imagination kindle
By Memory’s tender touch a day long past
a dear and happy day, when life was new
Again was present all the balmy air was
redolent of youth and careless joy.
The vision faded but its glad remembrance
Is cherished still, not solely as the means
I fain would hope, of kindling up again
The spark of joy extinct, its power is hallowed
For ever, with these gleams of past existence
Within the immortal soul, are closely linked
Hopes of Futurity, who sacred beams
Pierce and dispel the brooding mists of Earth
And light it on to its high destiny.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She wrote the history of the Lawrence family entitled
The Descendants of PHILIP HENRY, M.A., Incumbent of Worthenbury, in the County of Flint who was ejected therefrom by the Act of Parliament 1662.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was a descendant in the 5th degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Lawrence leaves Little Woolton at some time before 1841 as she is then found living in Leamington, on the 1841 census. She is still living in Leamington in 1851 as this census shows her with 3 of her sisters Mary, Arabella, and Harriett Lawrence – and all were of ‘Independent Means’, and all said to be born in Birmingham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She died in Leamington 20th July 1859 and is buried in the Vault of the Old Meeting House Chapel in Birmingham, belonging to members of the Lawrence family. I have copies of the Monumental Inscriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Lawrence made her Will in 1841. A large document with 3 Codicils. Many of her family and friends are named in it. The first part of her Will is interesting as it gives an insight to her Academy in Little Woolton<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This is the Last Will and Testament of me Sarah Lawrence of Leamington, in the County of Warwick, Spinster, and whereas some years ago I carried on a school at Little Woolton in partnership with my sisters and though the school has some time been given up is still subsisting and is intended by us to be continued as regards all the Partnership capital and profits made and accumulated by us during the term we carried on the said school”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The school is thought to have been taken by Sarah Holland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Gateacre Chapel there is a very fine memorial in marble dedicated to members of the Lawrence family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sacred to the memory of Frances Lawrence born 9 July 1785  and died 15 February 1816. Also to the Memory of Nathaniel Lawrence their brother born 22 December 1781, and died 20th May 1824. Also to the Memory of Sarah Frances Lawrence his Wife who was born 23 July 1788 and died 3 August, 1824.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Lawrence was a member of a large Presbyterian\/Unitarian family which goes back to at least 18th century, in the Warwickshire and Oxfordshire Counties. She came to Gateacre and opened her Academy here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SARAH ANN HOLLAND (1805-1893) OF LITTLE WOOLTON, SCHOOLMISTRESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Ann Holland<\/strong>\u00a0was born in Liverpool 22 February 1805 – a daughter of William Holland a wholesale Grocer and a Merchant., of Liverpool and Sarah (Cain) his wife. They married at St. Anne’s Church, Richmond Row, Liverpool on the 18 October 1804. William Holland died in Liverpool on the 1 October 1818 from a ‘long and protracted illness’ He is buried in the churchyard of St. Mary, Edge Hill, along with his wife Sarah and two children Ellen, and William. He and Sarah had 11 children.

Sarah Ann Holland came to Little Woolton about 1840 and opened her Academy in ‘Higher Grange’ later to be known as Gateacre Grange. She taught young ladies from the age of 10 and in the census returns for 1841-1881 the names of the young ladies are listed. They came from all parts of the country. Up until 1861 her school was listed at Higher Grange, but in 1871 and 1881 her school was listed at 25a Catharine Street, Liverpool – a large house which is still to be seen. At the coming of Sir Andrew Barclay Walker to Little Woolton, in c.1869, Higher Grange was bought by him and re-built by his architect Cornelius Sherlock – and was then known as Gateacre Grange.

By 1891 Sarah Ann Holland’s name disappears from the Liverpool directories. After some research we find that she died at Kilburn Priory, Maida Vale on the 24th<\/sup>\u00a0August 1893 She is buried in Hampstead Cemetery. There is a headstone over her grave.

In the 1891 census she is living at Kilburn Priory together with her brother Charles Holland, who had been born Liverpool 1818.

The siblings of Sarah Ann Holland were:-

Sarah Ann 1804-1893
Thomas 1805 –
William 1807-1861
Philip 1808-1855 ( in Canada)
Henry 1810-1866
Hannah Maria 1811-1878
Ellen 1812-1854
Mary 1813-1893
Catherine 1815-
Charles 1818-

After the early death of their father it appears some of the children were sent to London to be educated. The daughters were to become School Mistresses. The sons became Merchants, and went around the world.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was whilst looking on the internet three insurance policies were found – All three were for Sarah Ann Holland, and her sister Eliza Mary Holland. They were from the Sun Fire Office, in London. Copies of these policies were obtained from the Guildhall Library, London. The first is dated 31st<\/sup>\u00a0July 1829. They were living in Spring Terrace, Wandsworth Road, Surrey and they were Schoolmistresses. Their household goods, wearing apparel, books, and plate were insured for \u00a3200. The second policy is dated 4th<\/sup>\u00a0April 1833. They are now living at No. 28 Gun St. Spital Square. Here they are described as Gentlewomen. Their household goods, wearing apparel, printed books, and plate is insured for \u00a3100. The third and last policy is dated 24th<\/sup>\u00a0July 1833,and their address is Spring Terrace, Wandsworth Road, Surrey. They are stated to be Schoolmistresses. Their household goods, wearing apparel, printed books, and plate are now insured for \u00a3300. It is now held that the above addresses was where they had their school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By 1840 they have returned to Liverpool, and have opened their Academies. Sarah Ann was listed on the 1841 census at Higher Grange, Little Woolton. With her on the 1841 census are Hannah and Helen (or Ellen) together with their mother Sarah who is aged 60 years and of Independent means. She has 28 pupils, all girls with ages from 10 to 15 years., and 4 servants. The 1851 census shows Sarah Ann still at The Grange, Little Woolton. She now has only 13 pupils (girls) aged from 12 to 21 years. and 4 servants. The 1861 census tells us she is still at The Grange, Woolton Hill. This is now listed as a boarding school. She has two assistant teachers, 15 pupils, and 6 servants including Cook, Waitress, Seamstress, 2 housemaids and a kitchen maid.

By 1871 and listed in the local newspaper she now has her school at 25A Catharine Street, Rodney St. Liverpool., and is now described as a Governess aged 66 years. She has 6 scholars., a waitress, Cook, and a housemaid. She has two nieces both Governesses (1) CC Holland aged 31 ys ( Camille Cecile Holland) and (2) Mary Schall aged 60 years, both born in London.

In the 1881 census she is still at Catharine St. Liverpool and she has 3 scholars including another niece Estelle Holland born in Waterloo, a daughter of her brother Charles Holland. A cook, and a servant. Sarah Ann is now 76 years of age. The 1891 census shows she is now in London, living in Hampstead, Kilburn, and is now retired. Living with her is her brother Charles Holland a retired Cotton Broker aged 73 years, and her niece Camille Cecile Holland a daughter of her brother William.

Her sisters Mary, Hannah Maria and Ellen had their school in Derby Road, Bootle called ‘Markland House’ – both are described as Teachers. They have 12 girl Scholars, and their ages are from 7 years to 18 years, and two servants.
The Daughters of William Holland and Sarah and siblings of Sarah Ann are:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hannah Maria Holland (or Maria) married Henry Stubbs in Liverpool She died 13 December 1878 aged 67 years

Ellen Holland Died at Markland House, Bootle 27 August 1854

Mary Holland married William Stock a Glass Manufacturer. in Liverpool She died 31 January 1893

Catherine Holland married George Loxton a Coal Merchant. in 1851 Liverpool. They emigrated to Australia.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sons of William Holland and Sarah became Merchants, and emigrated to Canada, USA, and India:

Thomas Holland, emigrated New York, USA and married Frances J Brownell

William Holland, went to Calcutta, India and became a Indigo Planter. He married Laurance Cecile Henique in India. In 1860 he came back to Liverpool. He died 16 September 1861.

Philip Holland. He emigrated to Montreal, Canada, and married there Elizabeth Prior. He died Montreal 9 July 1855

Henry Holland. Emigrated to Canada. In 1860 he also returned to Liverpool, and died here 1866.
Charles Holland. Emigrated to New York, USA and married there Delphine Grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CENSUS RETURNS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1841 Census in Higher Grange, Little Woolton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Holland 35 Teacher
Hannah Holland 24 Teacher
Ellen Holland 25 Teacher
Sarah Holland 60 Independent.
SCHOLARS Age
Ann Allan\u00a0 15
Isabella Bass\u00a0 15
Mary Clough\u00a0 14
Mary Cass\u00a0 15
Louisa Dixon\u00a0 15
Louisa Flint\u00a0 15
Ann Hargreaves\u00a0 15
Isabella Hargreaves\u00a0 15
Emily Hanmer\u00a0 15
Sarah Howard\u00a0 15
Elizabeth Lindon\u00a0 15
Mary Mellor\u00a0 15
Ann Mellor\u00a0 15
Fanny Moon\u00a0 15
Barbara ?\u00a0 15
Ellen Moon\u00a0 15
Jane Moon\u00a0 15
Emily Murray\u00a0 12
Sarah Maudsley\u00a0 15
Elizabeth Shaw 15\u00a0
Mary Thornton\u00a0 15
Josephine Turner\u00a0 13
Sophia Tompkin\u00a0 13
Jessie Taylor\u00a0 13
Mary Sandy\u00a0 14
Elizabeth Wilkinson\u00a0 14
Mary Watson\u00a0 14
Ann Nohis ?\u00a0 15

Elizabeth Banks Servant 15
Ann Richards Servant\u00a0 20
Mary Watson\u00a0 Servant 15
Mary English Servant 35<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 1851 Census at Higher Grange, Little Woolton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(b.=Born):

Sarah Ann Holland Hd Un 46 Teacher b. Liverpool
Sarah Berwick\u00a0 Vis 18\u00a0 Scholar b. Liverpool
Annabell Ellis\u00a0 Vis\u00a0 14 Scholar b. London
Margaret Rins\u00a0 Vis\u00a0 21 Scholar b. Liverpool
Annie Julie Ashan Vis\u00a0 17 Scholar b. Dublin, Ireland
Alice Berwick\u00a0 Vis\u00a0 16 Scholar b. Liverpool
Mary Berwick\u00a0 Vis\u00a0 14 Scholar b. Liverpool
Agnes Paterson Vis\u00a0 16 Scholar b. Scotland
Isabella Paterson Vis\u00a0 13 Scholar b. Scotland
Margaret McKinsey Vis\u00a0 16 Scholar b. Ireland
Octavia Haigh\u00a0 Vis\u00a0 12 Scholar b. Liverpool
Mary Catherine Wilkinson Vis\u00a0 12 Scholar b. Liverpool
Sarah Tricaday Vis 14 Scholar b. Cumberland
Rose Hamilton\u00a0 Vis 17 Scholar b. Scotland

Mary Williams Servant 71 Servant b. Wrexham, Wales
Sarah Burrows\u00a0 Servant 31 Servant b. Tarbock, Lancs.
Margery Burrows Servant 16 Servant b. Tarbock, Lancs
Emily Hickler\u00a0 Servant 10 Servant b. Gloucestershire

1861 Census The Grange, Little Woolton:
<\/strong>Sarah Ann Holland\u00a0 Hd Un 50 School Mistress ‘Boarding School’ b. Liverpool
Mary E Stock\u00a0 Niece\u00a0 14 Scholar Liverpool
Margaret E Stock Niece\u00a0 13 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool
Frances E Hope Ass’t\u00a0 34 Assistant\u00a0 Liverpool
Harriet E Mercer Ass’t\u00a0 26 Assistant at school b. St.Helens
Isabella Tinley\u00a0 19 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool
Emily Domele\u00a0 18 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool
Viola Musgrove\u00a0 17 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool
Sarah A. Chadwick\u00a0 16 Scholar\u00a0 Ashton under Lyne
Eliza Wakeham\u00a0 16 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool
Emma M Gates\u00a0 16 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool
Mary E Bedamme\u00a0 16 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool
Mary J Seaborne\u00a0 15 Scholar\u00a0 Estrea, Yorkshire
Eliza Heyn\u00a0 15 Scholar\u00a0 Ireland
Kathleen Moore\u00a0 15 Scholar b. Florence, Italy (Irish Subject)
Bertha Juidenson\u00a0 15 Scholar\u00a0 Manchester
Grace H Jones\u00a0 15 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool
Kate Nicholson\u00a0 14 Scholar\u00a0 Liverpool

Mary Williams Servant 30 Cook\u00a0 Huyton
Ellen Green\u00a0 Servant 21 Waitress\u00a0 Huyton
Susan Golding\u00a0 Servant 35 Seamstress\u00a0 Ireland
Jane Hampton\u00a0 Servant 30 Housemaid\u00a0 Douglas, IOM
Sarah Jones\u00a0 Servant 24\u00a0 Housemaid\u00a0 Flint, Wales
Ann Plumley\u00a0 Servant 23\u00a0 Kitchenmaid\u00a0 Little Woolton<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1871 Census – 25A Catharine St. Liverpool
<\/strong>Sarah A Holland\u00a0 Hd U 66 Governess Liverpool
Annie Royden\u00a0 \u00a0 13 Scholar America
Agnes Doffing\u00a0 \u00a0 10 Scholar Castletown, IOM
Emily Kenned\u00a0 Boarder 16 Scholar London
Margaret ?\u00a0 Boarder 12 Scholar Sheffield
Annie Madson\u00a0 Boarder 16 Scholar Dublin, Ireland
Mary T Madson Boarder 15 Scholar\u00a0 Dublin, Ireland
C.C. Holland\u00a0 Niece 31 Governess\u00a0 London
Mary Schall\u00a0 Niece 60 Governess London

Mary Brooks\u00a0 Servant 26 Housemaid Liverpool
Isabella Cullen Servant 54 Cook\u00a0 Castletown IOM

1881 Census 25A Catharine St. Liverpool
<\/strong>Sarah Ann Holland\u00a0 H Un 76\u00a0 Schoolmistress Liverpool
Emily Fox\u00a0 \u00a0 21 Teacher\u00a0 Birkenhead
Estelle Holland\u00a0 Niece Scholar\u00a0 Waterloo
Amy Von Kretchman\u00a0 11 Scholar\u00a0 Tranmere
Catherine Kretchman\u00a0 \u00a0 9 Scholar\u00a0 Tranmere
Mary Crook\u00a0 Servant 35 Cook\u00a0 Liverpool
Jane Galloway\u00a0 Servants 34 Servant\u00a0 Scotland


This has been the story of Sarah Ann Holland (1805-1893) who was born in Liverpool and educated in London. She had her Academy in Little Woolton and Liverpool for 40 years. She died at Kilburn Priory, London 24 August 1893 and is buried in Hampstead Cemetery. There is a headstone above her grave.

The birth or baptism of William Holland (1774-1818) has not been found after many hours of research. Maybe one day it will come to light. We can then take the story further on.

It has been a very interesting research, and I hope readers of it will find it interesting.
J.B. 2007-2010<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ACADEMIES (OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS) IN AND AROUND LITTLE WOOLTON The late Mrs. Sylvia Lewis, who had been Secretary of the Gateacre Society, was very much […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-131","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=131"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/131\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":135,"href":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/131\/revisions\/135"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gateacresociety.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}