Item 2 - Letter from Joshua Girling Fitch to Lord Houghton

1 folded sheet.

Heworth House, York. - Has recently been to Thorne for the [Endowed Schools] Commission, visiting the two endowed schools there, Brooke's and Travis's; felt that 'there had been great waste of power, & of educational resources in the town; for although there are two smart new buildings, two very respectable endowments, and two Boards of Trustees, the educational provision of the place was less satisfactory than if it possessed one good National School'. The schools are attended by practically the same class of children; the same kind of 'elementary instruction' is given at both, 'yet neither enjoys the advantages of pupil-teachers, or of regular inspection, which would help to keep it up to the level of a first-rate elementary school'. There is also 'no provision for the education of girls, who are... much worse off than if there were no endowment at all'. Would be better if the two charities were amalgamated, with their joint revenue maintaining 'two thoroughly well-equipped schools for boys & girls, under one roof'. Writes since Houghton owns property in the neighbourhood, and has expressed some interest in the state of the schools.

Sends 'respectful compliments' to Lady Houghton'; hopes 'her health has not suffered from the alarm & pain which she must have experienced at the time of the misfortune at Crewe Hall [a recent serious fire]'.