A new exhibition at Burwell Museum and Windmill tells the story of schools in the village through the ages, from the mid-1700s to the present day.

The exhibition, ‘Looking Back at Burwell Schools’, features objects and photos from the museum’s archives that are not normally on display, and memories shared by local residents past and present.

The subject of the exhibition was inspired by a chance discovery in the museum’s archives: a job application from a Miss Florence Carter dated 19 December 1941. Florence was applying for the post of headmistress of St Mary’s School, opposite St Mary’s church in Burwell. There were two other schools in the village at that time, St Andrew’s in North Street and the British School, where the current Burwell Village College is located.

Through their research, museum volunteers Hazel Crane and Linda Fagence have uncovered individual stories and archive materials that are helping the museum to piece together some of the history of Burwell’s schools, pupils and school life, from the mid-1700s to the present.

The exhibition includes displays on punishment, log books from school meetings and first-hand accounts of pupils’ behaviour. The museum’s Victorian schoolroom has also received a makeover and younger visitors can experience what school life would have been like in the early 20th century.

The exhibition also presents an opportunity for people to share their own memories of school life in Burwell and the museum would love to capture more stories and photos to help them build an even more comprehensive archive. Come along to the exhibition and speak to one of the volunteers or contact education@burwellmuseum.org.uk

Looking Back at Burwell Schools is open now until Thursday September 7. The museum is open every Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until October 29. Standard museum admission applies.