Ormskirk, Derby Street 1895

Photo ref: 36821

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School - was built by public subscription on Derby Street. That building, now Stokers' furniture store, was originally only one storey; in 1853 an upper floor was added at the cost of £1,007. Amazingly, the building was said to be 'capable of containing 1,000 scholars' - not with today's more enlightened teaching methods! Infants' classes were later added to the school, and in 1874 a new school for boys was built in Aughton Street, adjoining what is now Park Road. It, too, was built by public subscription to accommodate 300 pupils 'with an open space in front' giving it 'a fine appearance'. During the middle years of the 18th century the 'self help' movement flourished, and whenever evening classes were available, working men took the opportunity to 'better' themselves. To satisfy the demand for a suitable educational venue and a library in Ormskirk, the Working Men's Reading and News Rooms were opened in Burscough Street in 1865, to be followed two years later by the Working Men's Institute and Cocoa Rooms in Moor Street. A library was established in the United Charity School in Church Street; in 1872 more than 12,000 books were issued. The Institute had facilities for billiards, bazaars, shows and concerts and was used for all kinds of gatherings, organised by various groups and societies. Each midday the pupils from the grammar school gathered there to eat their lunches and buy a penny cup of cocoa.