Amazing finds, Jennifer! Huge thank you!
Have now found on the JUSTOR website that there is an article regarding Charles Dickens' experience of the Yorkshire schools, with specific mention of Mr. Chapman's teaching methods at the Academy at Cotherstone. However, I cannot access the article without membership of very specific educational establishments!
For your interest, the following advertisement comes from 'The Times of London', in 1821, mentioning my forebear, Joseph LINFITT:
At Mr. G. CHAPMAN’S ACADEMY, Cotherstone, near Barnard’s Castle, Yorkshire, Young GENTLEMEN, from parents of respectability, are BOARDED, Clothed, and (without exception) treated in every respect the same as Mr. Chapman’s own family, also instructed in the English, Latin, and Greek languages, writing, arithmetic, bookkeeping, and mathematics. Terms, including the above, 20 guineas [about £1,475 today] per annum: pupils learning French language are regularly attended by a native of Paris, at 10s. 6d. [about £37 today] per quarter: music by professor 10s. 6d. ditto. No vacations. No entrance money required. Cards, with further references and other particulars, can be had of gentlemen, who through kind treatment to youth and unremitted attention to forward education, are anxious to recommend: Mr. Linfitt (who was educated at the above academy), and can be spoken to daily between the hours of 10 and 3, at the Swan coach-office, Ladd-lane, or at his residence, Angel and Crown tavern, Wood-street, Cheapside; Mr. Ford, at his Countinghouse, Bagnio-court, bottom of Newgate-street; or of Mr. Greenwood, 89, Chalton-street, Somers-town, who has been seeing his sons, new under Mr. Chapman’s care, and will take charge of young gentlemen going to the above academy, previous to the 23d instant. Applications will meet with due attention.
In sincere gratitude for your interest and great assistance, J.
