A RECENT Bygones article about Blackburn philanthropist James Hargreaves has sparked more memories of his contribution to the town.

Last month Eric Naylor, currently curating his diaries, told of his involvement in the Pendle Forest Hunt chasing a deer into the Corporation Park Lake in 1900.

This prompted local historian and regular Bygones contributor Barbara Riding to recall Mr Hargreaves contribution to her own education and schooling of young women in Blackburn in general.

She tells me: "I knew of James Hargreaves for a very different reason, and I am very grateful to him.

"He founded Blackburn High School for Girls.

"In the 19th century, boys could further their education by attending the Grammar School or the Lower Bank Academy.

"There was nothing of a corresponding standard for girls and James Hargreaves had three daughters.

"Two other gentlemen, Thomas Mitchell Eccles and William Brewer H.M.I. joined James Hargreaves at his home to discuss the matter.

"After enquiries and much deliberation they decided to buy a house, Spring Mount at 103 Preston New Road, and open it as a girls' school.

"Twenty nine girls registered on the first day in September 1883, including Jane, the daughter of James Hargreaves of Stoneleigh, Blackburn, tobacconist.

"The school proved to be very popular during the following years so that the building had to be extended.

"A hall was built along with a gymnasium, several more classrooms, and two laboratories. The grounds were landscaped for a netball and tennis court.

"As pupils at the High School we were encouraged to revere James Hargreaves.

"At the Speech Day Service in the Cathedral and on other occasions we all prayed together 'O eternal and everliving God, with whom do live the spirits of the just made perfect, we give thanks that Thou didst put into the hearts of James Hargreaves, Thomas Mitchell Eccles, William Henry Brewer, and of their chosen friends to found this school for the increase of godliness and of all good learning among the girls of this town'.

"I remember the founders' photographs being given pride of place round the headmistress's office door in the Assembly Hall, and when the staff and pupils were moved to a new building in Witton Park, the photographs were displayed on the walls in the library.

"The photographs and other interesting records are in the Lancashire Record Office in Preston."