From Standish Wiki

1778 Edward Townley Standish (Lord of the Manor 1778-1807)	1797	1801 1801 Census

By the will of Miss Mary Smalley, niece of a former Rector, money was entrusted to the Rev. R. Perryn, Rector, to provide a girls' school. In 1797 he spent £1000 on consols for the purpose of maintaining such a school for twenty poor girls; he also appointed trustees, and framed rules.

The foundation was called Mistress Mary Smalley's School of Pious Learning and Useful Industry. The mistress was to have £16 a year, coal and rent, and to take no fees.

The 20 girls, between 5 and 10 years of age, must remain four years. On leaving, each well-behaved pupil received a Bible, Prayer Book, and a guinea for clothing. As far as funds allowed, grants were made towards the clothing of the scholars. Industry was emphasised, hence instruction was given in spinning, sewing, etc.

Old inhabitants remember them coming to church attired in gingham bonnets and uniform dress. They were long known as "Dolly's Chickens," after an old woman who had the oversight of them. The institution was later merged with the Church of England Elementary School for Girls and Infants, Rectory Lane.

The Sunday School Building, nucleus of the block since used for Girls and Infants, was erected by voluntary subscription in 1829. ^[1]

1. ↑ The Rev. Thomas Cruddas Porteus, A History of the Parish of Standish, Lancashire (Published by J. Starr & Son Ltd, Wigan, 1927)