1884 Academic Workbook of a Young Teen Girl Studying at the Bramley Seminary in Yorkshire, England

On offer is fine example of the type of education offered to well-off girls in late 19th century England

The journal belonged to Emma Mottram (sometimes Motram) (b. 1870), daughter of Edward and Ellen (Jessop) Mottram. Emma was born and grew up in Bramley, Yorkshire. In 1884, she was 14-year-old student attending a boarding school, often referred to as a ‘seminary’ - in this case Bramley Seminary. 

Emma’s notebook provides an excellent look into the education system in England at the end of the 19th century.

Headings that Emma has written in the book above her many neatly written notes include English History, Dictation, William Tell, Bible History, Geography, Composition, and others. Her notes are interspersed with a few letters Emma wrote to friends. It is not clear whether the letters were written as an academic exercise. 

Not only does Emma’s book reference areas of study, but it provides details on what that education looked like.Many entries record answers to questions on topics that were obviously discussed in class. Some excerpts follow:

“William the Conqueror was the son of the First Duke of Normandy. He pretended that Edward the Confessor during his stay in Normandy whither he had been obliged to flee on account of the incursions of the Danes had in gratitude for the favours he had received promised his crown which at his death William came over to claim”. 

“Where is Lake Baikal and what is its extent? In Asia, it is half the size of Scotland Where is Heligoland and to whom does it belong? At the mouth of the Elbe, it belongs to the English…”.

“My Dearest Annie…I thought as I had a little time I would write to you. It is Wickersley Sunday School Sermons next Sunday. There is a tea on Tuesday and a meeting after the tea…”.

Many pages show either initials or corrections in red ink, possibly made by a teacher. 

This was the late Victorian period. Britain has seen incredible advances in science and technology. Coupled with the strongest naval fleet the world had ever witnessed, Britain had become the global power. There were massive social changes at home as well, including education. The education curriculum served not only to solidify the nearly universal literacy of the population but to also cement certain attitudes about the role of the English throughout the world.

For a historian, this small student’s notebook offers an excellent glimpse into the structure of that education system and hints at its impact on the society as a whole. This is an excellent primary source document form this period.

This soft-cover notebook measures 8.0 inches by 6.5 inches and contains 88 pages. It is 100% complete.. The cover is in fair condition. There are extensive wear marks and some tears along the edges on the back cover. The binding is stitched and it is loose, The cover has pulled away from the spine in places. The pages are in good condition and the handwriting is very legible.