Part of a report in the 5 Sep 1868 edition of the Bridport News, and Dorsetshire, Devonshire and Somersetshire Advertiser
OPENING OF THE NEW SUNDAY AND NATIONAL SCHOOLS AT BEAMINSTER [in Hogshill Street]
The architects were Messrs Slader and Carpenter, and the builders, Messrs John Chick and Hann, and the Messrs Chambers (the masons). THe building which consist of a girls' school, an infants' mixed school and a mistress's house, have been erected on a site at the upper end of the town, purchased, we understand, of Mr Andrews. The style of the building is essentially Gothic. The mixed schoolroom is a lofty apartment with an open roof, and the rafters are of varnished pine, and rest on stone corbels inserted in the walls. Its length is 40 feet by 20. The girls' schoolroom is similar in design to the mixed schoolroom and is about 48 feet long. The class room is 15ft, by 22 feet. The doors at the various entrances are of pitched pine. The main walls are composed of what is known in the trade as random work of native stone, all the dressings being Hamhill stone. There is a tall and stately house for the misress, consisting of three stories, in which every accomodation is provided. The buildings are completed in first rate style, and reflect credit alike upon the architect and the builders. The foundatuion stone was laid about twelve onths ago, by Mrs Cox, the lady of the gallant Colonel Cox.
Part of a report in the 4 Sep 1868 edition of the Western Gazette and Flying Post
OPENING OF THE NEW PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
Thursday last (yesterday) .... The new school-rooms are of Gothic design and are built of Beaminster stone, with Ham Hill stone facings, There are two loft and commodious rooms, each capable of holding over 100 children, well lighted; and the floors are made of deal. There is a school house adjoining, with a piece of garden attached, the whole covering an area of about half-an-acre, and costing about £2,000. The work has been carried out by Mr. W. Chambers, builder; Messrs. Hann and Chick, carpenters; and Mr. Toleman, glazier; and appears to give general satisfaction. The decoration consists of an arch over the gateway with a banner bearing the inscription 'Beaminster National and Sunday Schools' ...... the wall which encloses the building.