The Ragged School Museum

The Ragged School Museum in London is a unique and fascinating museum that tells the story of the ragged schools of the 19th century. These schools were established to provide education for poor and working-class children who were not able to attend regular schools. The museum is located in a building that was once the largest ragged school in London and provides a glimpse into the lives of these children and the educators who taught them.

The museum is housed in a group of three connected buildings, which were originally built in 1844 as the Copperfield Road Ragged School. The school was in operation until 1908 and served as a school for poor children for over 60 years. The buildings have been beautifully restored to their original state and now serve as a museum that tells the story of the ragged schools and the children who attended them.

The museum has several exhibits that showcase the history of the ragged schools and the lives of the children who attended them. Visitors can see authentic classrooms, complete with original furniture and equipment, and learn about the curriculum and teaching methods used in the schools. There are also exhibits on the lives of the children, including their home lives and the challenges they faced growing up in poverty.

One of the highlights of the museum is the “Life in the Ragged Schools” exhibit, which is a re-creation of a typical ragged school classroom. Visitors can sit in the desks and imagine what it would have been like to attend class in the 19th century. The exhibit also includes information on the curriculum and teaching methods used in the ragged schools.

Another exhibit that is not to be missed is the “Ragged Children” exhibit, which provides a glimpse into the lives of the children who attended the ragged schools. Visitors can see authentic clothing and personal items belonging to the children, as well as learn about their home lives and the challenges they faced growing up in poverty.

There is several interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt that takes them through the museum, learning about the history of the ragged schools and the children who attended them. There are also hands-on activities that allow visitors to experience what it was like to attend a ragged school, such as writing with a quill pen and using a slate board.

The Ragged School Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of education and the lives of working-class children in 19th century London. The museum provides a unique and fascinating glimpse into the past and is a great place to visit for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in social history.