Introduction
Queen Street School is situated in the heart of the conservation area of Barton upon Humber, just off the High Street. Having been empty & neglected for nearly 30 years, the school has become a focus of concern for many local people who object to a derelict and unsafe building in the town centre.
The school is historically and architecturally important for a number of reasons. The main one is its close associations with Samuel Wilderspin.
The school is important in its own right as a building worthy of listing for its architectural features. The layout of the floor plan and its style can be attributed to a particular architect.
It is also important in the context of the Townscape as part of a group of fine Victorian buildings.
By the time he came to live in Barton in 1844, Wilderspin had already established an international reputation for his pioneering work on methods of infant education. He had firm ideas on not only how children should be taught. These included modern-sounding concepts such as learning through practical experiences. He also had strong views on how schools should be built and equipped. The school in Barton is the only surviving school in the country where Wilderspin taught for more than a few weeks. He was also involved with the design and layout of the building which is still largely unaltered.
Inside the former infant school there is evidence of the nine/10 step gallery. This was a characteristic of Wilderspin’s design which was adopted across the country by the end of the century. Apart from teaching the entire class at once on the gallery, the Wilderspin schoolroom also had space for working in smaller groups. Again the Barton School is the only one in the country where such physical evidence still exists.
There is also some evidence of the infants playground which was designed according to Wilderspin’s beliefs. This would have contained flower beds, trees and circular swings as well as being more spacious than the playgrounds for older children.
Organisations involvement in the site
Queen Street Preservation Trust was founded in 1993. The trust negotiated with Humberside County Council and the owners of the school, for the aquisition of the premises. They then put forward a proposal for its repair and substantial alteration to form a public hall.
In 1996, on the demise of Humberside County Council, the school was transfered to North Lincolnshire Council. In 1998 a partnership called the Wilderspin Partnership was formed to take a fresh look at ways of saving the school and bringing it back into use.
The Wilderspin Partnership consisted of the Queen Street School Preservation Trust, Barton Civic Society, Barton Town Council and North Lincolnshire Council.
It considered several possible uses for the school including housing, offices, and a multi-purpose community building. Eventually, it was decided to retain most of the historic school building, using it, primarily, for heritage purposes, whilst the remainder of the site was to be a community learning and information centre (C.L.I.C)
However, the necessary funding for the C.L.I.C was not granted. In 2004 the Preservation Trust decided to pursue the current scheme which concentrates on the restoration of the heritage asset.
The Queen Street School Preservation Trust and Barton Civic Society are interested in the site for its historical connections. Also its potential to enhance community life and the visual appearance of the conservation area. Barton Town Council’s main interest is to have the future of a derelict site resolved for the benefit of the town. They fully support the current resotoration project.
Statutory designation
The school is a building of architectural and historic significance, listed as grade two starred, due to the strength of the connection with Samuel Wilderspin. It is situated in the Barton upon Humber Conservation Area which was formally designated in 1982.
The use of the conservation plan
The main aim of the plan is to protect the school and secure its sustainable use for future generations. The building is a significant part of the nation’s cultural heritage. The plan will seek to ensure:
- The conservation of the schools physical appearance
- It is used appropriately respecting the existing character and historic importance
- All renovation and repair is to a suitable standard
Limitations
The scope of the plan is to conserve the school as a building of architectural merit. Also to show its importance as a building of infant education.
The plan has been prepared in light of new information, being researched by members of the Barton Civic Society. It concentrates mainly on the connection with Wilderspin and the architectural importance of the building itself.
Although there is some evidence of the original Wilderspin schoolroom layout from marks on the walls in the south wing of the School, much more evidence is coming to light. Provision will need to be made in the building programme for a suitable length of time to undertake further investigations within the school, as well as archaeological investigations in the playground.
Consultation Process
All relevant sections of the council and members of the partnership group have been fully consulted on the details of the plan.
Adoption of the Plan
- North Lincolnshire Council adopted the plan at the Cultural Development Sub-Committee on 12 April 1999.
- The Queen Street School Preservation Trust adopted the plan at its meeting on 4 March 1999.
- Barton Civic Society adopted the plan at its meeting on 12 March 1999.
- Barton Town Council adopted the plan at its meeting on 15 March 1999.