Meppershall School in 1904
Meppershall Acedemy March 2015
Bedfordshire County Council became Local Education Authority for the county in 1903, following the Education Act 1902. In 1904 the County Surveyor reported on the condition of all the council and voluntary schools in the county under LEA control, excluding those on Bedford and Luton Boroughs which had their own executive arrangements. The surveyor's report [E/SA2/1/1] took the form below.
Meppershall School and House (National)
These are brick built and tiled, standing upon a very limited area.
Main Room. – 37 feet by 18 feet by 11 feet 9 inches to 21 feet to top of open roof.
Lighting is not abundant. Four lights are made to open.
Ventilation is very poor. Five Tobin Tubes and an Exhaust Ventilator should be provided.
Warming is by a Stove, said to be very poor.
The room is fairly clean.
Class Room. – 21 feet 6 inches by 15 feet by 11 feet 9 inches and open roof as above.
Lighting is fair
Ventilation is very poor. Four Tobin Tubes, and one Exhaust Ventilator are needed.
The remarks for above room apply to this, excepting the warming, which is sufficient
Lobby and Cloak Room.
This is very dark, and poorly ventilated. It should be extended, and a side light and fanlight provided to open.
Cleansing, repairing, and renewing are necessary.
Offices
These are very poor, immediately behind the School buildings and house. They are common privies and Urinals emptied from pits in adjoining meadow. I found them very offensive, more especially next the House.
These should certainly be replaced by proper Earth Closets and Urine receptacles.
A Barn is provided for Schools Coals.
House
This is very poor. It has two rooms on the ground floor, and three Bedrooms over.
All rooms, except the Parlour and room over, are very small.
Internal condition is fairly good
The Stairs and Landing are dark and dangerous
Kitchen Range is bad
No Sink is provided
No Barn is provided for Store or Coal; this is much needed
Water Supply.
No water is provided on the premises. All has to be fetched from the Rectory Spring 150 yards off.
External Repairs and Painting are necessary