Clark Street Map

   Clark Street School, Birmingham Library Archive

"The Beehive"

 "It was 'missionary spirit' that motivated men from Birmingham's Clark Street EMS to extend Adult School work in the needy area around Tennant Street and Bishopsgate Street. In 1901, they rented a small disused chapel in Court 12, Bishopsgate Street, (having first persuaded the local grocer to store his goods elsewhere). On 25th August, headed by the Clark's Street Military Band and the school banner, members paraded through the surrounding streets in order to enrol new recruits. The School was so successful that it soon became necessary to seek larger premises. There happened to be a derelict public house on the corner of Bishopsgate Street and Bath Row called 'The Beehive" - hence the future name of the school. The building's remaining 11yr lease was acquired and members quickly effected the alterations necessary to make it as comfortable as possible. Mr 'Sam' Allen was appointed as the School's Superintendent. Several other Schools were started in old public houses, including 'The Prince of Wales' (Hospital Street), 'The Brothers Well Met' (Alcester Street) and 'The Coppersmith's Arms' (Rea Street)"   ***.

The father of Adult Schools, William White,

".....Numbers increased so rapidly that he undertook to hire a room in Clark Street Board Schools and, in November 1875, the Adult School commenced with 80 members." ***

ADULT SCHOOL UNION SHIELD           Won                            Year                Conductor

                                                                        Yes                              1913                H.J. Lewis

**** 1916 Notation on shield states             Yes                              1914                H.J. Lewis

            “The only entrants                             Yes                              1915                H.J. Lewis

            83 Marks Awarded”                          Yes                              1916                H.J. Lewis N.B. ****

                                                                        Yes                              1923                H.J. Lewis

                                                                        Yes                              1929                H.J. Lewis

                                                                        Yes                              1930                H.J. Lewis

                                                                   
*** Source "Adult Schools In The Midlands 1845 - 1995"   Michael Hinson

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