Wanlockhead School Class Group

The School was built by the Duke of Buccleuch in the 1840s. It was open from 10am until 4pm. The children were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, book-keeping, mensuration, Latin, Greek and French. Almost, without exception, from the age of 8 years the boys were employed by the mining company washing and ‘dressing’ or breaking the ore, all in the open air. As they were unable to work in extremely cold and wet weather, they attended school during the winter months.   From 8 years upwards, the girls were mainly occupied in the home. They could be employed as outworkers for Glasgow agents in the embroidery of muslin, the art of Muslin flowering or Ayrshire Whitework.   The only other children in the upland region, were those of farm labourers who were without the advantage of education. The miners’ children were therefore academically superior.