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Shortwood, originally an isolated hamlet in Horsley Parish, was brought to life by the Baptist Meeting House (1707). It related to the Nodes and The Lot Mills. A track (later a road which was demolished by the floods in 1931 and never replaced) linked it to Newmarket. The High Wood, a custom wood where residents had the right to graze their pigs and collect firewood, was an important part of its life. From 1853 The Baptists sponsored a school for children from the surrounding villages, parents paid one penny a week. When they were 12 the children moved to the night school held at the Catholic Church at Woodchester. In 1908 Miss Wilkins took it on for 36 years with voluntary assistance from Chapel members. When part of the building became unsafe it was demolished. The stone was used in the building of the Box Church. At 6p a week the school had become too expensive and parents reluctantly now sent their children all the way to Nailsworth. |
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