CUCKFIELD MUSEUM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Nurse Stoner
- Retired in December
William Herrington was schoolmaster of Cuckfield National School for 32 years. Appointed in 1891 he retired, due to ill health in 1923; thirty two impressive memorable years which, for the children of that time, and indeed their children, had a lasting effect.
Following the departure of Mr Morfee, 26 year old William Herrington was selected for this important post as the 45th school master of Cuckfield, having been highly recommended by the Principal of Winchester Training College, his alma mater. Recently married to Ellen, handsome William Herrington moved into Church House, and began his inspirational career in Cuckfield.
William Herrington was a dedicated teacher who recognised and implemented a balanced curriculum. He shared his talent and intellect with his pupils, and set them on an appropriate journey irrespective of their abilities, to benefit from and contribute to the 20th century. He led them by example, constantly exploring the world both locally and internationally. He recognised the need for children to work together, not only in classrooms, but as a society. The school flourished during his headship, proudly building an orchestra with 20 violins, a piano and a cornet, establishing sports teams and creating a school environment which was conducive to joyful and exciting lifelong learning.
He was acutely aware of the power of education and the importance of numeracy and literacy at the turn of the century and how this could transform the lives of his students. He passionately believed that compulsory education could lessen, even alleviate, crime and reduce the need for prisons, and was the key to a successful, peaceful and prosperous society.
William Herrington was a devout Christian and, with his friend and vicar, Canon Cooper, appropriately as Headmaster of a Church of England School, maintained the strong, already established, religious teaching. He worshipped regularly at Holy Trinity Church, sang in the choir and carried the processional cross as and when this was required. His friendship with Canon Cooper was further strengthened by their mutual interest in local history.
Mr Herrington's many talents included making slides for his magic lantern to illustrate both his and Canon Cooper's history lectures. In one of his lectures at the Queen's Hall William Herrington captivated his large audience with a pictorial tour round the coast of Italy in which Genoa, Amalfi, Naples, Brindisi and Venice were visited, the beauties of the last-named city being depicted by ‘profusely illustrated lantern slides'. He also shared these ‘magic' illustrations with his school children in Geography lessons, introducing them to the wonders of the world from his travels and to traditional stories such as ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears' and these slides are now in the Cuckfield Museum's collection.
William Herrington retired in December 1923. His retirement was an emotional occasion which powerfully indicated that this Headmaster was truly loved and respected by the village. His wife Ellen and his daughter Mabel Kathleen were also recognised as a vital part of his successful headship and it was noted that ‘husbands could not do their work unless wives took care of them'. This apparently generated loud applause and Mrs. Herrington was presented with a beautiful bouquet of chrysanthemums. William Herrington expressed his final farewell to the children, teachers, managers and villagers with the words: ‘Don't forget me, I shall never forget you.'