In this blog, Archives Assistant Amber teaches us how a simple logbook can be a window into how large world events affected normal people's everyday lives.
For more than three decades, Agneta Constance Edwards (nee People) taught the children of Boxford, Berkshire. From her appointment at Boxford Church of England Primary school on 11 February 1910 to her retirement on 27 June 1947, the school’s logbooks preserve a record of her work and an insightful window into the life of a small village school through the two world wars.
School logbooks, often written in ink by headteachers, record the seemingly ordinary events of school life: illnesses, holidays and inspections. Yet within their pages are traces of national history refracted through the daily routines of classrooms. Through Agneta’s handwriting and the entries made about her, we catch glimpses of how global events shaped local life.
Image of the cover of a Log Book [ref: C/EL115/3]
When Headmaster William Evans was enlisted under Lord Derby’s enlisting scheme in May 1916, he recorded his departure in the logbook and the next day, Agneta herself wrote too:
[Transcription of above photograph:
May 31st: Visited school, examined registers and found then correct [signature]
Having enlisted in the army under Lord Derby's Group scheme. I am now called to the colours and therefore resign my charge of this school. Mrs A. C. People will take charge during my absence. [signature]
June 1st: I, Agneta C. People, commenced duties as Temporary Head Mistress for this term.]
This brief sentence marked a remarkable transition. With the headmaster at the front, Agneta – then in her late twenties – became the acting headmistress, responsible for the running of the school and the education of the children.
With those words, she stepped into leadership, and the children’s education continued with an admirable sense of normality. Her logbook entries describe geography walks, nature studies, and blackberry-picking outings. The natural world around Boxford became an open-air classroom, where pupils mapped local vegetation or observed trees.
Agneta’s story is just one example of the unrecorded service of women, whose work kept schools and society running while men were war.
When Evans returned in March 1919 the logbook moves on without ceremony – yet those three years under Agneta’s leadership testify to the essential role played by women in sustaining local institutions during the war.
Throughout the interwar years, Mrs Edwards (as she became following her marriage) resumed her role as assistant teacher, continuing to enrich school life with music. Agneta regularly attended and led pupils to the Newbury Musical Festival, her name appearing in the logbooks.
[Transcription of above photograph:
1936, 3rd Mar.: Musical Festival (Children's Day) at Newbury. Twenty three children accompanied by Mrs. Edwards left school at 9.15am to take part. School was closed in the afternoon to allow teachers and other scholars to attend the Mass Concert.]
These notes reveal the vital place of music and community in education, and of teachers like Agneta who made it possible.
By the outbreak of the Second World War, Agneta once again played a central role. The logbooks show that in September 1939, Agneta and her colleagues recorded the arrival of evacuees from across southern England.
[Transcription of above photograph:
5th Sept.: In accordance with instructions received (see Circ. 468) school did not re-open as previously arranged.
The Headmaster and Staff reported at school at 8.50am to complete forms showing the names etc. of children of school age who have been evacuated.]
[Transcription of above photograph:
19th June: In accordance with the Government's Education Scheme I admitted 10 children evacuated from Chadwell Heath, Essex, who have been billeted in Buseford Parish. They were accompanied by a teacher - Miss Loveless.
20th June: Miss Loveless returned to Essex.
Mr. Dawson, Education Officer visited the school for a short time this morning, to get information]
[Transcription of above photograph:
1940 I took the Senior boys to the Village Hall this morning to collect some chairs for school use. Later today Mr. Dawson called to say that nine (9) more evacuees from Easton and Easton Meadows would be coming tomorrow.]
[Transcription of above photograph:
1940
1 Nov.: No. on books 108 (65 Berks. 43 Evacuees). Seating accomodation [sic.] is the difficulty.
25th Nov.: In accordance with County Circular 533 the times of assembly and dismissal have been adjusted. School assembled this morning at 9.40am and the morning session closed at 12.30pm. Afternoon session commenced at 1.40 and closed at 4pm.
29th Nov.: No. on books 96 (54 Berks. 14 Essex (Chadwell Heath) and 28 from various places).]
By October 1940, 109 pupils were recorded in attendance – 62 Berkshire students and 40 evacuees.
These brief entries capture the complex reality – teachers balancing routine with practicality during a time of uncertainty - classrooms with newcomers, local children sharing desks with others from all over the country: Chadwell Heath in Essex; Easton and Easton Meadows and Canterbury.
These extracts reveal how logbooks can contain understated but powerful glimpses of everyday life, offering unique insights into the experiences of Berkshire schools. Through them, you can trace not only individual lives but also the rhythms of community resilience.
When she retired in June 1947, a presentation was held in the village hall. After thirty-seven years of service – including two wars – she left behind a legacy that can be traced through the logbooks.
[Transcription of above photograph:
27th June: Mrs. A. C. Edwards retired. Presentation 3.30pm in Village Hall.]
If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about the history of a school in Berkshire, or about the individuals who worked and attended the school, you can check which records are available by using our school source guides. These are available through our website.