Robert Hamnett, local historian, compiled the following extracts from the “Trust Book” of the Whitfield Endowed School, in the early 1900’s.

FORMER GLOSSOP SCHOOLMASTERS.

November 22nd, 1778: Whitfield School was first opened for teaching by George Roberts, born at Deepclough, in the Parish of Glossop. He removed from Tintwistle School (where he had eleven years taught) and came from thence to Whitfield, where he had forty two scholars the first day of opening, and continued there till January 27th 1800, when he resigned.
John Dearnaley succeeded Mr. George Roberts; he was born at Woodhead. He removed from Wedneshough Green School, where he had taught four years and two months, and continued at Whitfield School till the 4th January, 1843, when he died.
May 6th, 1843, Mr. James Bosley, silk manufacturer, was appointed; he died May 29th, 1844.
Mr. John Ball succeeded Mr. James Bosley as schoolmaster on September 9th, 1844, and was removed from his situation June 29th, 1853 on account of his irregular conduct and neglecting the duties of the school.
August 10th, 1853, Mr. John Bardsley, of Edale was elected, and he resigned; and on the 4th March, 1872, Mr George Ford was appointed. He died 10th February, 1878. Mr. Noah Booker was appointed 15th April, 1878, and was apprehended on a charge of bigamy, February 9th, 1881, and served six months for his offence. Mr. Walter Pedley Evason took possession as schoolmaster on the 25th of March, 1881, and still occupies that position.

The first schoolmaster, Mr George Roberts, seems to have been a man of exceptional abilities. He was a land surveyor, an amateur lawyer, accountant, and a man who was trusted by all classes. He was well connected and of considerable wealth. He made most of the local wills, and he never went a journey but he had something to buy for a neighbour; nothing was too trivial for him; he faithfully executed his commission. He left land and sums of money to many relatives. Amongst his nephews were the Kershaws.
Coun. J. Platt fortunately discovered one of his diaries when pulling down an old house. It is most interesting reading, and throws a sidelight on many local family histories.
Mr. Robert's will is rather remarkable for one bequest. He left a sum of money, the interest of which was "Upon trust that they the said John Kershaw (Hurst) and George Hadfield (Simmondley Hall), their heirs, executors, or administrators, or some of them, and the schoolmaster of Whitfield School for the time being, do and shall yearly for ever upon the 3rd Sabbath day in every month of May cause and procure a sermon to be preached against the abominable, wicked, and unchristianlike practice of nations making war, for which yearly sermon they or some of them are to pay out of the interest of the said subscription money the yearly sum of one guinea, and the remainder of the said interest(if any) is to go to defray incidental charges attending the same, the first sermon to be preached in Glossop Church upon the day appointed, the first month of May after my decease, the 2nd in Tintwistle Chapel, the 3rd in Mottram Church, and the 4th in Charlesworth Chapel, by the respective clergymen and ministers of those churches and chapels for the time being, and so on in regular rotation in each church and chapel for ever; and if at any time hereafter any of the clergymen or ministers of the said churches and chapels should delight more in war and bloodshed than in the mild peaceable doctrines of Christianity so as to refuse to preach the said sermon, in that case I hereby declare it to my will that such clergyman or minister be passed by until a man of more religion and humanity succeeds in his place, and that my will is that previous notice be given of each sermon two weeks before the day in church or chapel."

The second schoolmaster, John Dearnaley, was the schoolmaster for over 43 years; his scholars called him "crab fist" he having a deformity of one of his hands. In 1841 he built 12 houses in Kershaw Street, Nos 1-23, which are known as Dearnaley Row. His daughter Miss Dearnaley resided in John Street for many years and died there. The late Dr. James Rhodes was a relation, and one of his sons is called James Dearnaley Rhodes.

The third schoolmaster, Mr James Bosley, was connected with Robert Kershaw in his educational projects. He was a partner in the Silk Mill from 1825 to 1838. He was a thorough gentleman.

The fourth schoolmaster, John Ball, was somewhat of an eccentric character, and a rhymester, an adept at epitaphs, some of which are unprintable, yet racy and witty. Eventually he was discharged. I know nothing of his successor, Mr. John Bardsley, but I knew the next one, Mr. George Ford, very well indeed. He was quartermaster in the 23rd Derby Rifle Volunteers, and his death was a great loss to the Corps. He was the first officer to be buried with Military honours in Glossop.

Mr. Evason, the present master is known to most of my readers.