Law Hill School, Southowram: A school for young ladies opened in the bottom floor of the former warehouse at Law Hill House in 1825 by Misses Patchett after they had moved from their earlier Patchett's Academy, Soyland.
The warehouse was a building separate from the House on the left of the gate to the house. The House was used for accommodation of pupils and staff.
From September 1838, Emily Brontë worked there as a teacher replacing Maria Patchett, who had married and left the school. Her salary was about £20 per year. At that time, about 40 young ladies attended the school.
Of the school, Charlotte wrote in October 1838 of Emily's duties:
Hard labour from 6 in the morning until near 11 at night, with only one half-hour of exercise in between – this is slavery. I fear she will never stand it
In March 1839, after 6 months at the school – the exact dates are uncertain – Emily resigned and returned to Haworth, telling her pupils that she
preferred the dog to any of them
High Sunderland and Shibden Hall stood near Law Hill House, down the hillside of Shibden Valley and may have inspired Emily when she wrote Wuthering Heights.
In 1841, the census recorded
and 20 female pupils aged between 11 and 15.
In 1842, Elizabeth married.
The school closed shortly afterwards.
A newspaper notice on 6/7/8th March 1843 announced
| Sale by Auction of Household Furniture / Farm Stock and Equipment / School items, etc., at Law Hill, Southowram, lately occupied by Miss Patchett |
This & associated entries use material contributed by Jeffrey Knowles
Page Ref: KK_133
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