In Victorian times children were not always absent for sickness or work. It was a time when there was no television and few other entertainments, and something unusual happening in the neighbourhood was often enough to tempt children away.

In Presteigne it was the procession through the town of the Judge who came to hold the Assizes at the Shire Hall (right).
As he wore full robes and a wig and was escorted by trumpeters and the High Sheriff's javelin men, it is hardly surprising this proved too much temptation for some pupils, as this extract from the records of the British School shows..

It reads:
"The judge came in town today, so that several children were absent".

More reasons for missing lessons...