Blind School, Exeter
of St. David's Hill, Exeter
1851 Resident was Sarah Friend (age 46 born Torkholes, Lancs.) Matron of the Blind School - Widow. With her daughter Emily, three servants, two teachers. 11 female and 11 male Scholars with ages from 10 to 28 years.[1]
1861 Blind Institution, 6 St David's Hill, Exeter: Sarah E. friend (age 56 born Blackburn), Superintendent and a Widow. With her daughter. Six staff / servants. 12 female and 21 male pupils age from 10 to 43. Most seem to be trained in basket work.[2]
1871 Devon and Exeter Institution for the Blind, St. David's Hill, Exeter. Sarah E. Friend (age 66 born Blackburn), Matron and a Widow. Eight staff including teachers and servants. 14 females and 17 male pupil boarders aged 12 to 48 years and most listed as Basket Makers. 14 female and 13 males pupil / scholars. Four servants.[3]
1881 Blind Institution, St. David's Hill, Exeter: John Wyllie (age 43 born Carlisle), Master of Blind Institution and Unmarried. Also Marion Hurrell, Matron, an Assistant and a teacher. 14 female and 24 male pupils.[4]
1891 West of England Institution for the Blind, St. David's Hill, Exeter: Marion Hurrell (age 74 born Mersea, Essex), Superintendent of Institution and a Widow. Also a Schoolmaster, School Mistress and a Teacher. 14 female and 14 male pupils.[5]
1901 Blind Institution, Nos 9-15 St. David's Hill, Exeter: Charles M. Collingwood (age 41 born London), Superintendent of Intuition. With his wife Sarah and three sons. Also four officers and six servants. 19 male and 12 female pupils.[6]