| Description | The origins of Nelson Street Adult School were in a school established in 1867, in Icknield Street by Abraham Knowles, Samuel Collins, Mr Adams and Mr Jones. Knowles had met William White, the prominent leader and advocate of the adult school movement, and was influenced by his ideas on adult education. This class eventually became three separate Adult Schools: Nelson Street, Icknield Street and Clark Street.
The original Icknield Street class soon outgrew its accommodation and transferred to a school room on Graham Street. From here several branch schools were started and when they became too large, moved to new premises, eventually becoming Clark Street Adult School and Icknield Street Adult School. Meanwhile, two classes which had remained in Graham Street were moved to Nelson Street to form Nelson Street Adult School which quickly grew to 300 members. Among other activities, Nelson Street Adult School had its own Male Voice Choir, and from 1902, held an annual flower show.
Thomas Norton, a member of Nelson Street Adult School, who died on 19th May 1921, left funds in his will to be used for the benefit of Nelson Street Adult School as Trustees saw fit.
See MS 703/1/5/2 for Norton Trust records.
See MS 703/3/18/8 for records of Nelson St. choir. |