The Maister's legacy
THOMAS HASWELL was born in 1897 in the 'Three Legs of Man', one of the many inns in North Shields.
The son of George and Alice, he was to become the outstanding figure in the development of education in the town, known affectionately as 'The Maister'.
In 1811 the Jubilee School was opened by Quakers opposite Christ Church. Any boy was eligible to attend provided that he attended church on Sunday. Thomas became one of the first pupils. After leaving he continued with his education until, in 1839, he was appointed headmaster of his old school.
Rather than the autocratic figure so beloved of Dickensian tales, he was concerned about the welfare of his pupils. He understood hardship and poverty and did his utmost to provide a varied curriculum including astronomy, geography, physics and natural history as well as the standard three Rs and the Bible. He took his pupils walking on the beach and in the country to broaden their horizons. Pupil numbers rose to over 200, often taught, with the aid of boy monitors, by Thomas Haswell alone.
He was very active in the community, playing the organ at Christ Church, running a band, organising concerts and helping to found the Free Library.
Thomas Haswell died December 8,1889 on his 82nd birthday. He was so highly regarded that a permanent memorial was set up consisting of a painting by James Shotton, a commemorative plaque to be placed on
Jubilee School and the Thomas Haswell Memorial Medal to be presented annually to the highest achieving pupil.
If anyone has further information ask for Local Studies on (0191) 200 5424 or leave a message at any branch of North Tyneside Libraries.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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