The Teachers’ Bridge

A comment on an old post prompted me to take this photograph. It shows the River Leven meandering lazily through what was once the grounds of the Friends’ School in Great Ayton. The water tumbles over a small weir on the left, adding a touch of drama to an otherwise tranquil scene, while the so-called “teachers’ bridge” spans the river further downstream. The riverbank boasts a fine display of Snowdrops, for those inclined to admire these small white flowers.

In the very early days of The North of England Agricultural School, founded with 75 acres purchased from Quaker landowner and linen manufacturer Philip Hesleton, it became apparent that a bridge across the river was necessary. Hesleton, evidently skilled in persuasion, pointed this out to his cousin Thomas Richardson, the school’s main benefactor, and casually mentioned that a bridge would cost ten pounds. Richardson, in a gesture of remarkable efficiency, handed over a cheque the very next day with the words, “Take that, Cousin Philip, and make your bridge.” Thus, the “teachers’ bridge” was born, precisely where Hesleton had decided it should go.

The name “teachers’ bridge” appears in a 1941 history of Ayton School, though I have never read of anyone using it elsewhere. Perhaps it faded into obscurity after the war, much like the school itself would. It closed in 1997 and was transformed into a residential estate. The grounds and this bridge are now private, seemingly unused by those who live there, though doubtless someone will rush to correct me.

The school was originally a response to the Society of Friends’ rather counterproductive habit of expelling members who married outside the faith. This policy, unsurprisingly, led to a steady decline in membership. By the time it was abandoned in 1854, much damage had been done. The most ambitious and independent-minded members were precisely the ones cast out, ensuring that the Society weakened both in numbers and in spirit. Their children and grandchildren were lost to Quakerism, and so the decline continued.

The school was therefore not designed for the village children but for the offspring of these unfortunate “mixed marriages,” ensuring they received a proper Quaker education. Boys were trained in agriculture, girls in domestic service, and the entire experience was kept suitably austere.

Thomas Richardson, clearly fond of grand gestures, contributed £5,000 towards the £6,500 needed to purchase the estate in 1841. This included a Georgian house, a mill, and several cottages. Other local Quakers, mainly from the Pease and Backhouse families, provided the rest of the money. Once the estate was secured, a new three-storey school building was erected next to Hesleton’s house, with various modifications made to accommodate the school’s purposes.

Richardson, now retired and living nearby, took a keen interest, visiting daily and donating generously. By the time of his death in 1843, his total contribution exceeded £11,000.

A young Quaker teacher named George Dixon was appointed headmaster, chosen not only for his farming knowledge and teaching skills but also for his admirable commitment to temperance and strict discipline. He was paid the princely sum of £40 per year, and by the end of the first year, the school had 16 boys and 16 girls, all no doubt thrilled by the Spartan regime that awaited them.

Source

Alston Watson, G. “Ayton School — The Centenary History 1841-1941”. 1941. Headley Brothers.