Waterside Subscription School
The Waterside Subscription School, constructed by Wm. Aitken & Company, Contractors, opened in 1839. The school would have been funded by public subscription. Most schools of this type would consist of a schoolroom with a kitchen on the ground level. The accommodation for the schoolmaster and his family on the second level was reached by an outside staircase. Each pupil would be charged a fee to attend the subscription school.
By the end of the 18th century, as various churches and local authorities built schools, most of the subscription schools were closed. The Waterside Subscription School building was then taken over and managed by the Waterside villagers, trustees were elected and the upstairs accommodation occupied by the caretaker and family.
The Hall, as it became known, was let to the villagers for numerous purposes, which included Sunday schools, community council meetings, and a huge variety of functions. This continued until the spring of 2016, when it was deemed unsafe and closed for public use. The family who lived upstairs purchased the building and extensive structural renovations were carried out to make it safe and habitable. This work continues.
By the end of the 18th century, as various churches and local authorities built schools, most of the subscription schools were closed. The Waterside Subscription School building was then taken over and managed by the Waterside villagers, trustees were elected and the upstairs accommodation occupied by the caretaker and family.
The Hall, as it became known, was let to the villagers for numerous purposes, which included Sunday schools, community council meetings, and a huge variety of functions. This continued until the spring of 2016, when it was deemed unsafe and closed for public use. The family who lived upstairs purchased the building and extensive structural renovations were carried out to make it safe and habitable. This work continues.
Edward Z Smith, Author & Images