Former Dame School, Ravenstonedale, Cumbria
This cottage probably dates from the 16th century. The building adjoining was used as a Dame School. It was converted from outbuildings in 1859. Dame schools were schools for young children and only provided a very basic education. In some cases the children were just looked after and not taught at all. They were used by poorer people who had to work and would pay a small sum for the dame, who would have no qualifications, to look after their children.