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Northamptonshire / School for the blind in Northampton?
« on: Monday 09 April 12 00:18 BST (UK) »
Hello,
I am researching a Jabez West, who was born in Cottingham in 1855. He was blind, possibly from birth, and I have found him in 1881 at the Royal Normal College and Music Academy for the Blind in Upper Norwood, Surrey. Although he was 25, he is listed as a pupil. He seems to have retained close ties with the College after he left, performing in concerts at the Crystal Palace on College prize giving days. He also sang baritone at nearby Cromwell Hall and worked as a music teacher and pianoforte tuner. What I don't know is where he was between leaving Cottingham and entering the College, which opened in 1872. Unfortunately, I can't find him on the 1871 census. Does anyone know whether Northampton had a school for the blind in the 1860s and 70s? Does anyone have any ideas as to how this would all have been financed? He came from a family of labourers.
Thanks,
Carolyn
I am researching a Jabez West, who was born in Cottingham in 1855. He was blind, possibly from birth, and I have found him in 1881 at the Royal Normal College and Music Academy for the Blind in Upper Norwood, Surrey. Although he was 25, he is listed as a pupil. He seems to have retained close ties with the College after he left, performing in concerts at the Crystal Palace on College prize giving days. He also sang baritone at nearby Cromwell Hall and worked as a music teacher and pianoforte tuner. What I don't know is where he was between leaving Cottingham and entering the College, which opened in 1872. Unfortunately, I can't find him on the 1871 census. Does anyone know whether Northampton had a school for the blind in the 1860s and 70s? Does anyone have any ideas as to how this would all have been financed? He came from a family of labourers.
Thanks,
Carolyn