2-969-788 - /Heritage Images

New National Schools, Hemel-Hempstead, Herts., 1856. '...the new buildings...consist of Boys' and Infants' Schools...with class-rooms attached...There are also residences for the master and mistress...The buildings have been erected in the decorated style of Gothic, from the designs, and under the superintendence, of Mr. George Low, architect, of Clement's lane, London, by Mr. Groom, builder...The materials used in their construction are red bricks, ornamented with diapers and Caen-stone dressings throughout. The roofs, which are open to the ridge, are of fir varnished; and have a light spire, serving the twofold purpose of a bell turret and a ventilating shaft, erected thereon. The playground and gardens are inclosed with a dwarf wall and ornamental railing thereon similar in character to the buildings. The cost, exclusive of the ground, has been upwards of £2000'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.