The Misses Galrick of Halifax and their School 1836

 

In the nineteenth century there were non-manual occupations open to women which included acting as governesses, school mistresses, and school proprietors. This letter is from Miss Rebecca Garlick (1813-1840) who, along with her unmarried sisters Sarah (1814-1858) and Ann (1820 -1856) fall into the last category. Garlick’s School for girls operated for about twenty years with premises initially (1835-41) in their own home in Square Road, Halifax and then at Trinity Place (1846-50) and, finally, Trinity Row (1851-). Finance to start up the school was probably provided by their father who was a successful Halifax businessman, at various times bookseller, printer, stationer, accountant and clerk to municipal enterprises.

I can find no details of the school’s organisation online but the letter transcribed below provides a considerable amount of information. No information has been found about Miss Bury or her nieces.

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Transcription

Addressed to: Miss Bury    Newtown      Huddersfield

Unclear Halifax postmark of September 1836

Madam,

As I am aware that you must be anxious to finish arrangements with regard to your nieces, I am desirous not to delay informing you of our ideas respecting the terms.

If I remember right the lady you mentioned proposed to take them for 120 guineas which sum was to include French for all, Drawing for one, Music for one, with washing both vacations, seat at Church, and every other extra but books; I also believe I am right as regards what you now wish them to learn, but that you may be sure there is no mistake, I will repeat the different branches you named: namely, the four French, one Drawing, three Music which being two more to learn Music we consider will be pretty nearly equivalent to washing which would then leave the one vacation to be deducted from the terms mentioned.

We have only considered and talked the matter over and anxious as I think we shall ever be found to be to render those young ladies under our care comfortable and respectable in every respect we conceive 120 guineas per annum for the four young ladies not unreasonable – but on the other hand being very desirous to meet the views of their friends, should the sum be thought too much, we shall be willing to make some little further allowance; should tis be the case I shall be happy to hear from you as soon as possible.

Should you decide to send them upon the terms mentioned I shall be equally glad to hear from you soon in order that any little arrangement may be comfortably made.

I must now thank you for the honour I fell you have conferred upon us in being  wishful to place your nieces with us, and should you do so (and I sincerely hope that  both parties will be able to arrange in such a way as to authorize such a conclusion) I trust you may never have to regret your choice. When I have heard from you I shall be happy to write again to mention the day on which our quarter commences, though having short vacations our quarter may commence rather later than that of many schools, should this be the case we shall be happy to see your nieces as soon as convenient after that have left their present schools.

My father joins us in compliments to yourself and Miss Margaret, with many thanks I remain Madam,

Your’s most respectfully

R. Garlick

Square Road

Sep^br 19^th 1836