3-011-488 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ripley's Hospital, Lancaster, for orphans and destitute children, 1864. School founded by Mrs. Julia Ripley in memory of her husband, Thomas Ripley, a merchant of Liverpool. Originally endowed for the education of an equal number of boys and girls, the parents of whom had to have lived for at least 2 years immediately preceding the death of the father. The school was built in the early pointed style of the 12th century. The building, originally costing £30,000, included a gym, woodwork and metalwork rooms, a domestic school for girls, and heated swimming-pool, four courts for playing fives, and enough full-sized football pitches to allow 150 boys to play at the same time. A farm of some 40 acres kept the school supplied with home produced meat, milk and poultry, and a vast kitchen garden gave a constant supply of fresh vegetables. All pupils received a practical education based on Christian principles. When they reached leaving age, they were given special training in the trade or profession for which they showed an aptitude. They were also given help to find suitable employment. Many old scholars went on to become successful businessmen, journalists, teachers, nurses, social workers and skilled workers in many trades. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.