Mary Ann SHARMAN at The Priory, Hitchin

[sherlock1207]

As part of my family history research I have encountered a distant relation (Mary Ann Sharman) who in 1871 was a 14 y/o pupil-boarder at The Priory in or near Hitchin. Please could anyone tell me what sort of establishment this was (i.e. charitable, fee-paying etc.)? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Dazey999]

Hi Sherlock

I've just had a look at the census entry and the establishment where your Mary Ann was a pupil in 1871 was next to The Priory on the enumerator's round in Sun Street, Hitchin.  1881 census shows it was next to the Sun Hotel

The Principal looks to have been a Martha Geard, and she had 4 young assistants, so I'd guess it was a small private boarding school for young ladies.
You can see the Sun Hotel on Google Maps (street view)

Dazey

[sherlock1207]

Now this rings a bell ... looking at another part of my family history, I see that Mary Ann's cousin's daughter (stick with me here) Sarah Sharman was at the Sun Hotel in 1881. Presumably she was at The Priory too. I'd still like confirmation of The Priory's status if anyone knows. Thank you, Dazey999 - much appreciated. 

[Jeuel]

Hi

I live in Hitchin.

The Priory was a private, very grand house and is now a conference centre. 

In 1871 Mary Ann  is NOT at the Priory.  The Priory census entry ends with servants, who are nearly always last listed in households.

The next entry is for Martha, whose surname looks like Geard, who is listed as "Head" and her occupation as "scholastic", followed by assistants, governesses and then the pupils who are scholars and boarders, so this is a boarding school.

I clicked on the district - district 6, to see the description of the enumeration district and it includes St. Mary's School - St Mary's being the parish church.  I think this is most likely to be where your Mary Ann was.

The Sun Hotel is still in Sun Street, which runs down from Market Place to join Tilehouse Street.

[Jeuel]

You might also be interested in this thread which indicates Martha Geard's school was in Sun Street next to the Sun Hotel:

http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/census/census-and-maps.htm

[sherlock1207]

Thank you so much. This is brilliant. My misinterpretation of the censuses in 1871 and 1881 do make me look a fool! Now I can set to and rewrite my sections that include Mary Ann and her cousin Sarah Sharman who was at this school in 1881. Your local knowledge and willingness to help me are both greatly appreciated. Thank you again.

[Jeuel]

No worries, I've made a few goofs over misinterpreting stuff myself.

[CBare52]

Hello, I stumbled upon this thread while doing a Google search for the Tile House Street Priory.  Seems my relatives were there in 1881. 
Charlotte Newton Widow 60 yrs of age,
Louisa 30 yrs. a music teacher (Daughter of Charlotte)
Esther 27 yrs. no employment listed on the 1881 census.  (Daughter of Charlotte)
There is also a J.J. Newton listed as Visitor, Late School Proprietor 70 yrs old.
Can anyone shed any light on this for me?

Thanks.
Sandy

[Jeuel]

Hi

The census images show Charlotte & family are in Tilehouse Street, not the Priory.  The Priory household are on the previous page and followed by Tilehouse Street households.