A visiting, stern dame teacher put the children through their paces with exercise drills, hand inspections, and straight-backed line-ups, ensuring the girls were treated as lesser citizens, as was customary in the era. Handwriting practice included writing lines such as children must be seen and not heard, and silence is golden.

Breaktime saw traditional games like hula-hoops, skipping ropes, and hopscotch, while the afternoon brought parlour games such as charades, Pass the Slipper, and Kit’s Game, which tested their memory. The day ended on a sweet note with a delicious serving of Victoria sponge cake.

While the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience, there was no doubt they were grateful to return to modern life by the end of the day!