Hi Margaret, Bear in mind that a lot of people were only partially literate in the late 1700s/early 1800s. In some instances a child might be taught how to write their own name but nothing else, some people were taught to read the bible but not to write, others could deal with sums/measurements but not literature, etc. Just because someone signed their own name does NOT mean that they were fully literate, or even went to school. It was simply an improvement on "the mark of X". A relative, family friend or neighbour could all have taught the kid their signature and/or a few basic words. > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > From: "Margaret Holmes" <margaret.holmes4@ntlworld.com> > Subject: [BKM] schools in early 19th century > > I have been reading the book "Henry Mundy - A Young Australian Pioneer" > which has set me wondering about schools in or close to Great Brickhill. > My husband's great great grandfather John Holmes, a shepherd, was seemingly > able to write his name at least. His son George, a groom was similarly > literate. John was born in 1799 and George in 1826 so where at that time > would they have learned to read and write? Henry Mundy went to a school in > Simpson but Leighton Buzzard or Slapton would probably have been nearer to > Great Brickhill. Was there a school in those places between 1805 and 1840? > The National School in Little Brickhill was opened in 1840 so probably > George's children would have gone there. Margaret