Article from the Loughborough Monitor 1st Augiust 1861

Swannington National Schools

The laying of the foundation stone of the new National Schools now erecting in this increasing village took place on Monday week. Although the day proved fine the attendance was not very numerous, and was chiefly confined to a few of the leading families in the immediate district. The schools, which are intended to accommodate 108 children, are in the Early English style of architecture, and are being built in brick and stone, and the expense is estimated at £700. The necessity for schools has long been felt in this neighbourhood, and the Rev. dr. Smith, incumbent of St George’s Thringstone, has for the last six years been collecting funds for this purpose. The ground, we believe, was given by the trustees of the Wigston's hospital, and a grant has been received from the Committee of the Council of Education. About £650 has been subscribed, the deficiency therefore is but small. Mr T.W. H. Miller, of Loughborough, is the architect. The design is to include a teachers' house, girls' yard, boys' yard, master's and teachers' garden. The school children having been drawn up on a raised platform in front of the stone, the proceedings commenced with suitable prayers, which were read by the Rev. Dr. Smith, after which, Lady Beaumont proceeded to lay the stone in the customary formal way. The silver trowel used on the occasion was the same as was given to her Ladyship when she laid the Whitwick National Schools stone four years back. The mallet and square, which were made of oak, were the gift of the Architect. After a hymn had been sung the Rev. Dr. Smith addressed a few suitable words to the assembly. After another prayer had been offered up, the proceedings terminated with the 100th Psalm. A collection was made at the close, but we have not heard the amount. An excellent cold luncheon was provided in an adjoining tent, but no more than twenty persons sat down. The Rev. Dr. Smith occupied the chair. After the usual loyal toasts the rev. chairman gave the "Bishop and clergy of the diocese," coupling with the toast the name of the Rev. R. Dalby. The Rev. R. Dalby responded "The health of the Rev. F. Merewether" was next responded to. The rev, chairman then proposed "The Health of Lady Beaumont, who had so kindly attended that day to lay the foundation stone". The toast having been drunk, and there being no one present to respond on her behalf, the rev chairman undertook the duty himself, and in a very humorous speech referred to the good qualities of her ladyship – especially in the work of education. The "health of the architect," "the church wardens," "the Rev. Dr. Smith," and "the visitors," having been duly given, the proceedings terminated.