1st January 1869

1^st January 1869

John Pounds (1766–1839) - "The Founder of Ragged Schools"

Born in Portsmouth, England, John Pounds was a shoemaker by trade and a pioneer in the field of informal education. Despite a disabling injury at the age of 15, which ended his career as a shipwright, Pounds turned his humble cobbler's shop into a beacon of hope for underprivileged children.

A compassionate and selfless individual, he dedicated his life to teaching the poorest children of Portsmouth, providing them with basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as practical lessons to improve their lives. Often described as the "Good Samaritan of Portsmouth," Pounds would gather destitute children from the streets, offering them food, clothing, and education at no charge.

His work inspired the Ragged School movement, which grew significantly after his death, championed by figures such as Thomas Guthrie and Lord Shaftesbury. These schools provided free education to impoverished children across Britain, laying the groundwork for future social reforms in education.

John Pounds passed away on 1st January 1839 in Portsmouth. His legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of kindness and education.

For further information

Educational History: John Pounds and the Ragged Schools