2-791-326 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Laying the Foundation-Stone of the Girls' School, Caledonian Asylum, 1844. '...the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the building intended for the Girls' School...took place on the site in Copenhagen Fields [in London]. The Directors of the charity have had it in contemplation for some years past to admit girls as well as boys...but want of funds prevented their carrying this benevolent purpose into effect. However, through the munificence of Mr. Matheson, M.P. for Ashburton, who has subscribed £1000 expressly for enlarging the building for the reception of girls, and by subscriptions on the part of the friends of the charity, the Directors have been enabled to proceed with the good work of extension; and they expect that in the course of the autumn the building will be opened for the admission of girls who are descendants of Scottish parents.' From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.