In its latest look back through the archives, The Enfield Society explores the past of one of the borough’s most unique buildings

Edmonton Charity School (2) — Edmonton Charity School will soon be reopened as an education space for vulnerable people and venue for community groups

A Coade stone figure of a young woman in a blue dress stands in a niche above a doorway in Church Street, Edmonton.

The building is one of the oldest in the parish and it was the home of Edmonton Charity School. Founded in 1778, the school’s purpose was to train young ladies to go into domestic service, so the emphasis was on sewing, washing and ironing rather than academic subjects.

The school was financed by subscription; not by parents, but by wealthy benefactors. Subscribers who donated at least £1 a year could nominate one pupil and, at the first meeting of the trustees, a fund of £750 had been invested.

One subscriber, Obadiah Legrew, granted part of his property for use as the school, but the noise of the children offended his ears so he offered to purchase land in Church Street for the charity instead. He later reneged on the deal and the school had to accept a donation of £50 towards the cost of the building.

There were benefits of obtaining a place for your daughter. As long as she behaved herself, she would be supplied with a petticoat, overdress, stockings and shoes. Failure to obey the strict rules however would result in the child being expelled and forfeiture of the wardrobe.

Elizabeth Parker, for instance, went missing for three days at the Edmonton Statute Fair and was expelled. If any child was caught visiting Edmonton Theatre they would be dismissed immediately!

Girls between the ages of seven and twelve could apply for a place. Occasionally, schoolgirls were allowed an extension, particularly if they were helping teach the younger students. The system could be abused, however, as when Mary Allen, one of the pupil teachers, was found guilty of taking bribes to unjustly promote some girls and hold back others who had crossed her.

Edmonton Charity School class 1889 (credit Enfield Local Studies Libary and Archive)

In 1815, the school was brought under the control of the Anglican church but the Education Act 1902 resulted in closure and pupils being transferred to All Saints Elementary School.

After many years of neglect, The Enfield Society and London Historic Building Trust have been working to restore the building, raise new funding, and find a suitable tenant. It remains on the Historic England Buildings at- risk register but The National Lottery Heritage Fund has approved the restoration scheme up to development stage.

The plaque over the door reads: “A structure of hope, founded in faith on the basis of charity.”

With a little bit of all three, for the first time in many years, the future of this historic structure is optimistic.

The Enfield Society exists to protect buildings like Edmonton Charity School. Membership starts from as little as £5 per annum and you are invited to join and support our work and enjoy its social activities.

For more information about The Enfield Society and to join:
Visit enfieldsociety.org.uk/join

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.