We have primary schools at Evenwood and Ramshaw, both are “new” and replaced out dated buildings. A limited amount of details is given below. Scroll down and click on the title of the school to access further information and photos. These pages are still under construction.
Up until 1870 when the first Education Act was passed, education throughout Britain was sparse. The 1847 Tithe Map and the 1859 OS map for Evenwood indicates the notation for a “School” but the precise location is unknown. It could have been in one of two sites – the most southerly property in the Centre facing the green and adjacent to the main road OR a house opposite, in Raby Street, possibly Mr and Mrs Vennard’s house, which runs at right angles to the road.
Below: Detail from the 1847 Tithe Map
For parents who could afford a few pence a week to educate their children, there may have been some form of private tuition. The greatest number of such schools were called “Dame Schools”, conducted by women, usually widows who, it is said, where as ignorant as the children they taught. (Not our quote!) It is understood that the school which existed in Evenwood was such a Dame School. The 1851 census records 1 schoolmistress, Margaret Smith of the Oaks, a 45 years old widow with an 11 years old daughter. A schoolmaster, 36 years old widower Richard Nicholson of Evenwood is also recorded.
In September 1857, a letter from Rev. M. Chester of St. Helen Auckland was sent to John Bowes of Streatlam Castle, in support of a school for the children of Evenwood. It stated,
“There is no school within 2 miles of the place excepting one private school and this affording but very indifferent accommodation for 30 children.”
The letter asked if Bowes could grant a site, free of charge. This he did, but it took until January 1865 before it opened. It was supported by the National Society and was a Church of England School. Given that St. Paul’s Church was built and opened at the same time, it suggests that the Anglicans wished to get a foothold in Evenwood, then a relatively new mining community which up until this time was firmly Methodist (either Primitive or Wesleyan) in faith.
The original National School was located on land north of St. Paul’s Church, alongside the road leading to Stones End. When it opened in January 1865, many of the streets we now see in Evenwood did not exist. For instance, Shirley Terrace, opposite was not built. The school provided “all age education”, primary and secondary until Staindrop Secondary Modern School was opened in 1963. In 1974, pupils were transferred to the new school, Evenwood (Church of England Controlled) Primary School, opposite Wellgarth. Currently, the old school building is the Randolph Community Centre.
EVENWOOD (CHURCH OF ENGLAND CONTROLLED) PRIMARY SCHOOL
Relocated to a new building in 1974.
The original school was situated at Ramshaw Row. We don’t have much on this school.
The new school, provided by Durham County Council was built at Oaks Bank, Evenwood, opened in 1910. Before 1963, “all age education” was provided.
Most older students attend school at Staindrop School which opened in 1963. It was then called Staindrop Secondary Modern School and has been named Staindrop Comprehensive, Staindrop Business and Enterprise College and, currently Staindrop Academy, from 2011 (we think!). Images where Evenwood, Evenwood Gate and Ramshaw children are featured will be posted.
EVENWOOD RAMSHAW & DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY 