This pamphlet was published in 1890 and the author is known as B. T. It is believed that the pamphlet was published to raise funds for the schools – both The Asylum for the Support and Education of Indigent Deaf and Dumb children, Old Kent Road, London and its branch in Margate. The pamphlet was bought for £8.50 and donated to the Deaf Museum by Richard Goulden.
Why two Schools?
After The Ayslum for Deaf and Dumb Children was founded in 1792 and based in Old Kent Road, it opened a branch in Margate in 1876, this called the Royal School for the Deaf and Dumb Children and then moved entirely from London to Margate in 1905 so pupils could benefit from the sea air. London’s smoky air and pollution was not conductive to the children’s health especially, if they were poor. This was the main reason for opening a branch in Margate to enable the children to recuperate from the fresh sea air. The pamphlet is set in Margate and there are illustrations to show how healthy the children were, playing outside.
Pages from the pamphlet – cover title and an illustrated page showing the girls eating in the dining room. The boys and girls did not eat together as they were separated.
“The plates and mugs were pewter and were somewhat battered!” – Quote from Diana Prideaux (née MacDonald)
A couple of illustrations from the pamphlet showing children playing outside and participating in sports and showing how healthy they were.

