Gawber School records available in Barnsley Archives for the first time
8th July 2024
Historical documents from Gawber Primary School are now available to view in Barnsley Archives.
Barnsley Archives and Local Studies, based in Barnsley Town Hall and part of Experience Barnsley Museum, has added fascinating documents relating to Gawber Primary School to their collections.
The local school has been operating since the 1860s. Documents include logbooks, admission registers, a corporal punishment book, and photographs and histories relating to the school. The collection spans over a century of the school’s history and offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of its pupils and staff.
Gawber Primary School, formerly known as Gawber National School, Gawber Church of England School, and Gawber Junior and Infant School, is one of the oldest schools in Barnsley. It was originally located on the corner of Beever Lane and Hermit Lane in Gawber, a village that became part of Barnsley in 1974. The school moved into new premises on Church Street in 1973 and celebrated its 50th anniversary of the relocation last year.
Among the notable names that appear in the admission registers is Stanley Richardson, who later became famous as Stan Richards, the actor who played Seth Armstrong in the popular soap opera Emmerdale. He attended Gawber School in the 1930s and went on to have a long and successful career in television and theatre.
Barnsley Archives and Local Studies holds the records of well over 100 schools from across the Borough, dating from the 18th century to the present day. These records are invaluable sources of information for anyone interested in the history of education, social history, family history, or local history.
Jon Finch, Head of Culture and Visitor Economy, said: “”Barnsley archives is a treasure trove of information about our local heritage and culture. The new collection of the school records will reveal the stories and experiences of generations of students and teachers. It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who has a connection to the school to explore its past.”
For more information about Barnsley Archives visit www.experience-barnsley.com
