Author: INDIGENT BLIND
Title: A Report of the State of the School and Hospital for the Indigent Blind at Norwich.
Description: Norwich: Bacon, printer, 1808. Large bifolium, 395 x 250 mm. printed all four sides. This item may have at some time been mounted and will bear traces on the reverse of adhesive or removal of mounts. Founded in 1806 originally for Norfolk residents, this year saw a huge donation of five hundred guineas provided that the benefits were extended to the kingdom at large. "There are sixteen Pupils in the House - they are instructed in various employments, which will enable them not only to spend their time in cheerful occupation, but to assist in procuring something towards their livelihood by their own industry...The men are employed in making baskets and hampers...The women are taught to spin flax, to weave sash and linen line...In pursuance of one part of the design of the Establishment, four Old Persons have been admitted into the Hospital, and are comfortably provided for." Although a charitable institution, the pupils were expected to work and if found "incapable of instruction...[or] of receiving instruction" would be discharged. In 1805 Sara Bace, aged 21 was discharged as incapable of receiving instruction after 2 months> and Robert Bird, aged only 12, was given a three month trial but discharged as being incapable of instruction. On the other hand, Robert Watts, aged 21, his father being a man of good property and wishing him to be taken in for instruction, paid £20 a year for his board, and was discharged after almost two years as being capable of working on his own account. No locations traced worldwide.

Keywords: Ephemera


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