Ref. 75646-24CHILDREN at a Swindon school endured a day of 19th century discipline.
A Victorian schoolmistress took over the classroom at Ruskin Junior School, in Upper Stratton, and reduced the pupils to a terrified silence.
The schoolmistress, known only as Miss Roberts, maintained discipline with a number of techniques no longer taught at teacher training college, including a cane and a wooden back straightener.
Ruskin's assistant headteacher Jane Hurley said: "The day went very well. Many of the children were in Victorian dress.
"They used pens and ink pots and slates to write on. They came in to school using separate entrances for boys and girls.
"They had to sit down in silence and then say a prayer.
"Miss Roberts showed them the cane she uses, and checked them all for dirty hands.
"Miss Roberts was absolutely wonderful. The children were quite scared of her and didn't speak."
The event was part of a Children In Victorian Britain project at the school.
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