Buck Hill School, Bowood, Calne Without
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This school was in the Liberty of Bowood and was also known as Bowood School and The Liberty Day School. The Lansdownes were patrons of science and the arts and extended this interest to the education of the children of their tenants and workers. The school was built in 1814 and was funded and supported by the Marquess of Lansdowne. The children came from the areas of Bowood, Derry Hill, Sandy Lane and Studley. There was a school uniform with the boys wearing heavy white linen smocks and the girls scarlet flannel hooded cloaks over their dresses. The girls were known as 'Lady's Scholars' probably because they were probably paid for by Lady Lansdowne. In 1833 there were 72 pupils, 2 teachers and a small lending library.
By 1859 there was a mixed school of about 80 pupils, with a certified master, a sewing mistress and 2 pupil teachers. The schoolroom was 31 feet 6 inches long, 19 feet wide and 21 feet high, and there was a separate teacher's house. The buildings and appliances were said to be excellent and the teaching and discipline good. There was free education for all children, paid for by the Marquess of Lansdowne. In the late 1860s clothing was given to each pupil and the boys were required to spend some time working in the school garden and the girls in the master's house. The school continued alongside the National School at Derry Hill and did not close until 1892 when the chidren were transferred to the schools at Derry Hill and Chittoe.
By 1859 there was a mixed school of about 80 pupils, with a certified master, a sewing mistress and 2 pupil teachers. The schoolroom was 31 feet 6 inches long, 19 feet wide and 21 feet high, and there was a separate teacher's house. The buildings and appliances were said to be excellent and the teaching and discipline good. There was free education for all children, paid for by the Marquess of Lansdowne. In the late 1860s clothing was given to each pupil and the boys were required to spend some time working in the school garden and the girls in the master's house. The school continued alongside the National School at Derry Hill and did not close until 1892 when the chidren were transferred to the schools at Derry Hill and Chittoe.