3-021-073 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

British Schools, St. Leonards-On-Sea, 1869. 'These schools are erected on a commanding site at the junction of the London-road and Gensing Station-road...and the building has rather an imposing appearance, though plain and unpretending. Its design is of composite architecture, combining features of both the Norman and Italian styles; but outward beauty and ornament have not been so much studied as the comfort and convenience of the interior...The difference of level between the roads on either side of the school enabled the architect to provide an entrance for boys and girls in opposite sides of the building, without meeting each other...The staircases, lobbies, and passages are of Yorkshire stone laid in concrete on brick arches, and are fireproof. Opposite each school-room door on the landing is a fire-tap, or hydrant, always charged with water and furnished with hose, in case of fire...The best arrangements are made for warming and ventilating, and for the lavatories. The building will accommodate 560 children, and its entire cost, including £700 for the freehold site, and the expense of fittings, is about £3600. The architect is Mr. Thomas Elworthy, of St. Leonards; and the builder, Mr. Alfred Vidler, jun., of Hastings'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869