TL2020

Brenda Lines

The Education Act of 1870 required provision be made for all children to have the opportunity for an education. Prior to this date few children, other than those from wealthy families, were able to attend any type of school. On the 4th March 1872, the first entry in the Head Teacher’s Log Book was made by Mrs Mary Seaman, the first Head Teacher. On that day, seventy-seven children, ranging in age from three to thirteen, were enrolled. They were divided into two classes - one being taken by Mrs Seaman and the other by her husband Walter, her assistant. They were all taught in one room, the room now used as the dining room in the oldest part of the school. The school was approved by the Government on the 16th May 1872.

This page examines the life of Brenda Lines. Admission Number:1412

Brenda Lines attended St Johns from April 14th 1921 to April 19 1922

Date of Birth: Feb 24th 1916. Parents: Frank :

Lived at 8 Great North Road Stanborough

Left St John’s to go to

The Herts Advertiser for April 29th 1922 report of the inquest on Brenda Lines.

The death of Brenda Edith Lines, the six year old and only daughter of Mr Frank Lines of 8 Bury Crescent, Stanborough, near Hatfield, who reported in last weeks ‘Herts Advertiser’ was run over and killed by a motor car, was the subject of an inquest held by Mr Longmere last Friday. The driver of the Motor car in question, Mr Arthur Charles Davis of 4 Mount Avenue Ealing, stated that he was driving the car on the day in question. Sitting in front with him was his wife, and his two children were behind. On nearing the Bull public house Stanborough, he saw three children run into the road from the right hand side. At the time he was travelling at about fifteen miles per hour. He sounded his horn and felt for his footbrake. Two of the children ran back, but the other hesitated, looked back and then ran straight into the car. The left hand side lamp came into contact with the child, and he imagined it hit her on the shoulder. Witness pulled up in about two lengths, got down from the car and dispatched two persons for a doctor and police. Elaine Davis, wife of former witness, corroborated her husbands evidence, and stated that it was impossible to avert the accident. Emily Woodhouse 48, St Anne’s Road Harrow, who was riding in a car behind that driven by Mr Davis said she saw the accident and corroborated the evidence given by Mr Davis. P.C Hawkins said when he arrived at the scene of the accident the deceased was lying in the gutter on the near side of the road. There was blood coming from the nostril and the left ear and there was blood upon the road here the child was lying. There was no sign of life. Witness examined the car and found that the near front headlamp was completely gone. Later he found a lawn tennis ball lying a short distance away. Dr A. N. Ballance, Hatfield describing the Childs injuries said that he found a bruise about the size of the palm of his hand on the front of the left thigh. Blood was coming from the nostril and the ears. Particularly the left ear. The cause of death was a fracture at the base of the skull. There were also severe internal injuries which could not be determined. The Coroner found that the deceased had died from injuries received by accidentally coming in contact with the motor car in the way described by witness. The funeral took place at St John Church Lemsford On Saturday afternoon. The Revd W.W. Clarke (Vicar) officiated and many relatives and friends attended. The grave was beautifully lined and covered with flowers by Mrs Baily King and Mrs Ladbury. Lady Mount Stephen having sent the flowers for this purpose. The Floral tributes were numerous. Many of the schoolchildren who were on holiday sent wreaths to mark their mourning for their departed playmate.

Herts Advertiser April 29th 1922

The Queen (Mary) paid a visit to Brocket Hall, After lunching with Lady Mount Stephen, her Majesty and her hostess visited Lemsford churchyard, She placed a wreath on the grave (Image of grave above) of Lord Mount Stephen. She also sympathetically inspected the flowers on the grave of little Brenda Lines, the six year old victim of the recent motor car fatality

St Johns School Lemsford Info

Lemsford Local History group have decided to dedicate 2022 to working with St John’s School to celebrate the school’s 150-year anniversary. This website is also dedicated to this special year. On the 4th of March 1872, the first entry in the Head Teacher’s Log Book was made by Mrs Mary Seaman, first Head Teacher. On that day, seventy-seven children, ranging in age from three to thirteen, were enrolled. They were divided into two classes - one being taken by Mrs Seaman and the other by her husband Walter, her assistant. They were all taught in one room, the room now used as the dining room in the oldest part of the school. The school was approved by the Government on the 16th of May 1872. We hope the school, local community, and anyone with an interest in St Johns school will Contribute Articles, memories, and images to this Website. Email info@lemsfordhistory.co.uk