When I first compiled my survey of the early years of Glemsford School, nearly 15 years ago, I was able only to use the remaining Log Books and a few Minutes of the School Board as the basis for my work.
Even so, one result of my searches stood out: the character, personality, resourcefulness and tenacity of one person in particular.
I know of Eleanor Bowrey only through her entries in the Log Book. They stand by themselves as evidence of a dedicated teacher.
Recent changes in my own situation, and major developments in the availability of information on the Internet, have made it possible for me to go looking for a person who has become a sort of Historical Hero of mine.
Although the information is still very limited, I'm placing it here so that Eleanor may become a little better known, and in the hope that other readers may be researching her and may, as a result, let me know more.
Eleanor Bowrey was Mistress of the Infants' School in Glemsford from August 1896 until July 1903
She was born in Kings Norton, in Birmingham in 1861
She had at least one sister, Caroline, who was 3 years her junior. In 1881, both Eleanor (aged 18) and Caroline (16) were
student teachers. At the time of the Census of that year, they were visiting the house of John and Charlotte Maisey at 46 Balsall Heath Rd,
Kings Norton.
(Source: http://www.familysearch.org)
In 1891, at the age of 29, Eleanor was Mistress of the Infants' School at Cobham in Kent. Like all female teachers, she was unmarried.
(Source: FreeCEN)
As we know, in 1901, she was in Glemsford. The Census for that year records the same: born in Birmingham, unmarried, aged 39.
That is the limit of the information. Other unconfirmed research suggests she had a brother Herbert who, in 1901, was living in Berkshire, with his wife and child and widowed 70 year old mother.
I hope others may be able to add to the research; if you find anything, let me know at this address.