Schoolroom for boy prisoners at Tothill Fields:
'At the time of our entry, the warder schoolmaster was hearing the boys read aloud from the Bible, the class standing in a line near the wall, each with a book in his hand. Some of the lads read quickly, and others boggled sadly over the words, as, for instance - "And into whatsoever 'ouse ye enter" - ("Look at it, boy! don't you see there's an h to the word?" cries the warder) - "And into whatsoever house ye enter fust" - ("How often am I to tell you that there's no such word as fust? Spell it") - "f-i-r-s-t", proceeds the lad, "say ye peace be unto this 'ouse" - (What! 'ouse again?") - "house", quickly adds the youngster. The next verse was read off rapidly and glibly enough, by one who seemed but half the age of the other...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: boys in prison Print: Book
Schoolroom for boy prisoners at Tothill Fields:
'At the other end of the room the lads were making even greater havoc with the words; and though the lesson consisted of simple monosyllables, such as "The old man must be led by the hand, or he may fall into the deep pit", one half of the big boys, even those of sixteen, were unable to accomplish the task.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: boys in prison Print: Book
