“A bell, can you hear it?” I ask, my voice soft. It once summoned children to the Old School House. Imagine those children hurrying in for their lessons. This is the Old School House. It stands as a testament to education and community.
Erected in 1848, the Old School House was originally Hornsey Infants’ School. It served St. Mary’s Parish. John Henry Taylor designed it. Now, it is the home of the Hornsey Historical Society.
The Old School House once accommodated 100 pupils. They sat on racked seating. A wing, now demolished, housed the schoolteacher. The school closed in 1934. It briefly functioned as an open-fronted shelter. It even had a public toilet.
By 1981, the Old School House had become derelict. Refurbishment transformed it. It became the headquarters of the Hornsey Historical Society.
In Clapton another Old Schoolhouse built of Kentish ragstone. Arthur Ashpitel built it in the eighteen-forties. He gifted it for the education of Hackney children. This Grade II listed building faced neglect. It reflects the importance of preserving historical sites.
Consider the “watergipsies” of the River Lea. The Old School House provided their children with free education. This offered transient lives a sense of stability. A bell summoned the pupils to class. It faced the River Lea.
The Old School House near Finchley Central shows a different story. It is a locally listed Arts and Crafts building. It features pronounced gables. Tall mullion windows add distinct character. It sits within the Church End Conservation Area.
In 2019, a scheme emerged after community engagement. A mezzanine level was added. A wheelchair ramp provided access. Refurbishment improved the building’s energy performance.
Think about the dreams. Think about the lessons learned within these walls. The Old School House represents a commitment to community. It represents a dedication to preserving history.