MARY ANN BLADON

Mary Ann Bladon was first cousin to Thomas Edward Bladon and the eldest daughter of my great great great grandparents William and Sarah nee Pool.  William was a dairyman of Moseley/Kings Heath Worcestershire.  She was born 29th August 1838 and along with her siblings was lucky enough to attend Moseley National School.

She became a pupil teacher and on 29th January 1860 enrolled at the Dioceasen Training institution at Bristol Gloucestershire to undertake the Queens scholar examination.  Her referee was the vicar of St Marys church Moseley who were responsiblefor the school.

Mary Ann trained for 2 or 3 years and returned to St Marys National school Moseley.  On 3rd December 1864 she was appointed school mistress of the girls (and later infants) school on a salary of £30 per year including school house, coals and garden.  She had to give 3 months notice and attend the Sunday school.

The school log books from 1862-1889 survive and were written by Mary Ann.  I have been lucky enough to read them and they are very interesting.  The school hours chnaged during the winter and summer, inspectors reports are included and local nad national events.  Lessons studied were scripture, needlework, dictation, arithimitic, reading, singing, drawing, geography and church.

Mary Ann stayed at the school until her retirement in 1904 nearly 40 years later!  A collection was held and raised £64 7s 6d.  A cheque of £61 7s 6d was presented to her with the rest being for her illuminated address.

An report in the paper states she was associated with the school as a pupil, pupil teacher, school mistress, headmistress for over 42 years.

She died in 1916 in Moseley and was buried at St Marys church Moseley in the family grave with her parents and 2 of her brothers.

The school built in 1828 was replaced in the 1960's and the old building survived until December 2005 when it was demolished despite calls (including mine) for it to be saved.

I would love to find a photo of Mary Ann but so far nothing.