I'm Richard, the oldest of the Ashton children. Currently I'm attending one of the public schools here in London; however, in October, I will be transferring to Harrow where I will preparing for my studies in the medical field. My desire is to follow in the footsteps of my father and become a doctor.

Emphasis is placed on the three "r's", 'reading', 'riting' and 'rithmetic.' Lessons range from 20 to 30 minutes. By week's end, one will have spent approximately 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours on reading, 4-6 hours on arithmetic and 4-5 hours on spelling and diction.

I guess by now, you're wondering what our school books look like. I'll let my sister describe the ones used in the earlier part of the period. Below you'll find excerpts from four texts used in the earlier grades. Please feel free to compare them with the textbooks you use today. (Click on book cover to go to sample texts. Links open in new windows. )

Credits:

Background, buttons and book covers by webmaster, B. Malheiro. Text for books authored by B. Malheiro and is based on research done on 19th century textbooks.

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