May 2025 – From Tingdene to Finedon

Once upon a time in Finedon, the children were taught by individuals, prior to the Boys School, being established in 1595, situated close to the church on Church Hill. Subsequently, the Girls Charity School around the corner in Church Street, was founded in 1712.

As the population increased, by 1895 both schools were fully occupied. Prior to this in 1839, the Girls Charity School had also accommodated the Endowed Infant School, which then eventually had to be relocated to the Mission Room in Well Street.

In June 1900, the new Mulso School was built on Wellingborough Road by the Church of England on land given by Miss Ellen Mackworth-Dolben. Initially this was a mixed school that accommodated both infants and older pupils.

The Endowed Infant School would eventually return to Girls Charity School taking pupils from the north of the village, whilst those infants from the south of the village stayed at the Mulso School. The period between 1904 and 1922 saw several more very disruptive changes for those attending school in Finedon, which culminated in the planning and building of a New Infant School on land between the High Street and Orchard Road.Ironically, not all members of the school’s Management Board were for the need for a new Infant School and there was further disagreement concerning the site chosen. Initially there had been three potential sites. The first was utilizing a part of the recreation ground. The second was to take land owned by the gas works and the final and eventual selected site mentioned above on the High St.

The newly built Finedon Infant School clearly showing the cottages of Lace Curtain Row in the background along Orchard Road.

The Class of 1918

The Class of 1926

The Class of 1928

Copy of the Government Inspector’s Report for Finedon Independent C of E Infants School 1930

Inspected by Mr H R Sweeting

The Headmistress, in spite of the impending removal of all the children to the new Infants School, has continued to put the whole of her energy into her work. The schemes are planned with great care in details and continuity of method has been secured by the goodwill of both Assistant Teachers.

The foundation work is thorough and rather above the usual standard in attainment, number as before is best but reading and handwriting are both really good.

The school is free from fads but there is as much recreational work as can be arranged in the restricted space available. The physical training and rhythmic exercises seen were quite effective.

The quality of the handwork in the top class and the finish secured are most praiseworthy.

The children are cheerful, willing and have pleasant manners

October 9th 1930