Well, here on our right, at the top of School
croft, stood the old Grammar or Latin School. In those days the presiding genius was the Rev. C. Chadwick, who, in 1800, concerned to observe that persons are persuaded to consider the language and learning of the great models of antiquity of little use to boys not intended for a learned profession, advertised the commencement of classes for instruction in the English language. The school had been built two hundred years, and well do I remember the rev. gentleman emerging from the steps (for the school was below the level of the lane), with his gold-headed cane and three-cornered hat, to the awe and admiration of the boys. Part of the house he lived in is now the Burns Tavern, which stands at the western corner of School croft. It was generally believed by us that the young gents had raised the devil in the old porch of the school, but had been so alarmed they never tried it again. They were a bold and warlike race, and looked down with scorn on the schools below them, with which they were ever at war. Their most determined enemies were from Figtree lane, where a school was conducted by Mr. Cowley. The contending hosts generally met about the top of Lee Croft. I have seen the "advance," the "charge," the " retreat," and the "rally," when, happily, the bell of the classicals was sounded, and a truce was made. . .
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Sheffield branch of the Classical Association, founded in 1920
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November 2023
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