From Picture of Liverpool: Strangers Guide, written in 1834
This excellent institution is situate in School-lane and was established in the year 1709. It is a neat brick building comprising of a number of suitable and comodious compartments, with an extensive area in front enclosed by handsome cast iron palisades. A large yard occupies the space behind the premises. The main body of the edifice consists of a spacious hall, with a chapel above, in which pupils perform diving service every Sunday afternoon, at half past -four o'clock. A few years since this structure was much enlarged and is now nearly double the size it was formerly.
In 1708 the Rev. Robert Stythe, at that time rector of this parish, solicited subscriptions for the establishment of this school, and in an address then made to the public it is stated that "whereas many poor persons are deserving of having their children taught, but are not able to afford them a christian and useful education : and there being children whose parents are dead, and no friends left to take care of them, must unavoidably come to beggary and ruin both in body and soul if not prevented by the care of some chartiable and well disposed people"
In the first instance an annual income of upwards of £60 was raised, and a master was appointed with a salary of £20 per year. At that time forty boys and ten girls were clothed and instructed. The old part of the present building was erected in 1714, and was enlarged in 1726, when ten more children were admitted, and the whle of the pupils were lodged and fed having previously received merely instructions and clothes. There are at present about 350 pupils of both sexes in this school. The boys are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and the girls are instructed in reading writing, arithmatic, sewing and knitting
The Rev Robert Smythe was the first treasurer and at the time of his death had contributed £250 to this institution. This worthy man was succeeded in the same office by Mr Bryan Blundell, whose unremitting attention and benevolent exertions conducted greatly to the welfare of this establishment, and in support of which he had given in various donations more than £3000 prior to his demise.
In 1744 Foster Cunliffe Esq. gave £1000: and William Clayton Esq. who died in 1715 bequeathed £1,000. The family of the Clevelands also bequeathed premises, which were afterwards sold for the sum of £1706 13s 9d
The Late Mr John Horrocks who died in 1823 gave at different periods to the amount of £3022. It is hoped that this laudable institution will continue to experience the same munificent patronage with which it has hitherto been favoured