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Significant sisters - the 'Miss Whites of Bath'

A tale of four sisters

David Stewart, Michael Hibbert and Michelle Cafferkey

In books which tell the history of the development of special education in the UK , there is usually reference to the Miss Whites of Bath who established a school in 1846. Not much else is said and the tale quickly moves on to the men who established Park House and the Earlswood. So who were these sisters and what motivated them to start the school?

This presentation seeks to tell their story. Born in India and South Africa their story has many exciting characters. Jacobite heros, pistols at dawn in the heat of Bengal, the King of Siluria and even the founder of MI6. Throw in a few Bishops, mystics and impecunious clergymen. Stir in Hobson Jacobson, the Combe brothers and Robbie Burns' 'Bonnie Lesley' and their story begins to unfold.

Life in Bath in the 1840s provides the backdrop to the story. Often the history of women has been hidden. Thus we know more about the men who set up the early schools for children with learning disabilities, but very little about these pioneering women.

This presentation seeks to redress the balance.

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About the Group

If you woud like to get in touch with the Social History of Learning Disability (SHLD) Research Group, please contact:

Liz Tilley 
Chair of the Social History of Learning Disability (SHLD) Research Group
School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care
Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

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