Hitchin holds a unique place in the history of education as it boasts the world’s last remaining purpose-built Monitorial schoolroom. The grade II* listed building opened in 1837, but the school was founded in 1810, a full 80 years before the government finally provided free elementary education for all.
Educational pioneer Joseph Lancaster visited Hitchin in 1808 and inspired William Wilshere and a group of like-minded philanthropists to set up a school where children of the working poor could be taught cheaply and effectively through Lancaster’s ‘Monitorial method’, which involved one master teaching as many as 300 children in one large schoolroom.
At a time when Britain was still at war with revolutionary France, the idea of educating the ‘lower orders’ was highly controversial. Even more so was the fact that girls were taught also! Nevertheless, the school thrived as even the poorest families were willing to pay the ‘school pence’ to help their children to gain an education and escape the desperate poverty in which they lived.
The site developed and further classrooms were built in 1853, 1857 and 1905. Amazingly, the school stayed open until 1969 and then became an annex of Hitchin College. However, by the late 1980s the College no longer needed the site and it fell into disrepair. When all seemed lost, a charitable Trust was set up, the buildings were saved and a museum created.
So, here in Hitchin, you can enjoy the truly unique experience of visiting the ‘home of the educational revolution.’
Opening hours
**The museum is now closed for the Winter - we re-open on Friday 16th February 2018**
We are open at the following times:*
- Fridays 10am – 4pm
- Saturdays 10am – 1pm During July, August and September we are open 10 am - 4pm on Saturdays
- Sundays 2pm – 5pm
*Last entry time for the museum is 30 minutes before closing time, but the shop and cafe (free entry) will be open until the published closing times.
We recommend you allow at least 1½ hours for your visit.
We also hold a variety of fun, creative and engaging children's activities throughout the school holidays to keep your little ones entertained. With arts and crafts, dressing up, treasure hunts, games and a chance to explore the Museums’ historic classrooms.
Admission charges:
Entry to the whole museum with a free guided tour included (optional)
- Adult £5.50 (including gift aid)
- Child (5 -17) £3.00
- Under 5’s FREE
Temporary exhibitions ONLY
- Adult £2.50 (including gift aid)
- Child (5 -17) £1.00
- Under 5’s FREE
Discounts are available for family groups.
Parking
There is no visitor parking available at the museum except by prior arrangement for Blue Badge holders.
There is a pay and display car park about 200 meters away by St Mary’s Church.
Public Transport
You can get to Hitchin by bus from London, Luton, Bedford, Cambridge and Stevenage. The bus stop is by St Mary’s Church, just 3 minutes’ walk from the museum. Hitchin Railway Station is a 10 – 15 minute walk from the museum and is on the direct line from London Kings Cross to Peterborough and Cambridge.
Access
