TL2020

Frank 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 Frank Lines. Admission Number: N/R

Frank Lines attended St Johns from N/R to N/R

Date of Birth: N/R. Parents: : N/R

Lived at

Left St John’s due to N/R

From 1922 until 1962 Frank and Margaret Lines lived at No 8 Bury Cottages. Both Frank and Margaret grew up in Lemsford. They were married at St. John's Church on May 12th 1913 and are buried in the churchyard, as is their only child, Brenda, tragically killed in a motor car accident when she was only six years old.

When Frank was only eight he saved a fellow school friend, James Cochrane, from drowning. On the 28th December, 1891 a group of boys were playing on the ice on the Broadwater in Brocket Park. James ran after a ball onto the ice but the ice broke when he was some distance from the bank. He managed to cling to the edge for some time but could not get back onto the ice. The other boys who were present ran away but Frank crawled to the hole and with the aid of a stick got James out. However the ice again gave way again and James fell in once more. Frank tried again and this time successfully. He was awarded a silver medal by the Royal Humane Society for his bravery. Extract from Lemsford school log book March 1892 reads : 'School visited in afternoon by Col. Fellows, Rev. F.E. and Mrs Coggin, and a gentleman. Col. Fellows presented, on behalf of the Royal Humane Society, a silver medal to Frank Lines (St III) for having saved James Cochran (Sic) from drowning'. The Strand

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