Fred Pickstone (May 2005)
In 1807 legacies totalling £111.8.6d, left by Husthwaite benefactors, were used to buy government 3% securities. From this £2.7s was paid annually to the schoolmaster, for teaching four poor children. Robert would also have income from some parents, who paid a few pence each week for the education of their children. Some failed to see the value of education, or couldn't afford the fees, or preferred their offspring to work in the fields. The schoolday went from 9.am to 4.00 pm with an hour's break at midday.
Robert would supplement his income by doing jobs, which suited his skills, of reading and writing. He would complete forms for his neighbours, write out and witness wills, help with parish accounts, write out letters and be involved in the collection of taxes. Twice he was the census enumerator and in 1818 he was made village constable, an annual unpaid appointment. On Saturdays, and in the summer evenings, he might be employed by farmers to measure land and areas of crops. Payment would either be in cash or kind.
Relaxing, by candle light in the winter with a pipe of tobacco, he might discuss with his friends, village events and national affairs, which came to notice from York, where national newspapers would arrive from London, maybe a couple of days late. It is known that "The Times" was read by a schoolmaster, living near Hull! Robert would travel mostly on foot, or maybe catch a stage coach in Easingwold, where horses were changed at the inns in Long Street. York to Newcastle took 12 hours and to Edinburgh 25 hours, travellers often making their wills before setting out! Railways changed travel, from the 1840s onwards. The Leeds to London line opened in the early 1840s and Thirsk was connected to Leeds in 1848. Special excursions to the 1851 Exhibition at Crystal Palace took 10 hours to King' Cross from Leeds. Did anyone go from Husthwaite? .