A Volume Of Specimens Of Needlework By Margaret Hill Created At Viscountess Lorton's School Errorona Roscommon Ireland 1836

A rare survival, a volume of hand sewn specimens of needlework created by Margaret Hill, a pupil at Viscountess Lorton's School, Errorona, Boyle Roscommon Ireland in 1836.

The National School system was established in Ireland in the 1830s following the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829. Catholic children were permitted to attend school, allowing Protestants and Catholics to learn together, (previously during the Penal era 1750-1820 the only educational facilities available to Catholic children were illegal "Hedge Schools"). Under the National system Children learnt the 'Three R's' (Reading, wRiting & aRithmatic). Boys were taught bookkeeping and geography, whilst girls were instructed in needlework. The schools were initially largely funded by the local landowner.

Viscountess Lorton (Née Lady Frances Parsons) married Robert Edward King, 1st.Viscount Lorton in 1799. One of the richest families in Ireland at the time. Staunch Protestants they nonetheless seem to have embraced the inclusive nature of the National School system. Sadly Margaret Hill who created these exquisite little examples of needlework appears to be lost to history.