b'Ruth Theasby BarkerBased on a photograph and family history material supplied by Mr J. A. TheasbyWhen talking to Allison Halley head of Bishop Wilton School, we learnt about a copy of an embroidery produced by a pupil at the school in 1880 (reproduced here). It had been supplied by John Theasby, the great grandson of the embroiderys creator, Ruth Theasby Barker. On the trail of family history, John and his wife, Heather, had visited Bishop Wilton not knowing whether the school still existed. When they saw that it did they popped in unannounced to find what they called a happy and thriving establishment.John Theasby is the great grandson of the creatorof which was a success as a later entry shows: The of this embroidery. John explains that he is a TheasbyGrant for sewing has been earned but felling [a type of because his grandmother, Ellen Barker, marriedseam] needs more care.the grandson of her grandmothers brother, ThomasOne entry could refer to Ruth but not by name:Theasby!. April 12 1880 Admitted scholar from Givendale.According to the embroidery, Ruth Theasby BarkerThen on July 6 1880, Ruth Barker is named as was 10 years old when she was at Bishop Wiltonone of six girls who carried Kate Fryer, aged 12, to her School in 1880.grave.Ruth was named after her mother, Ruth Theasby,The log book says that the first school photograph who died after giving birth to her. Ruth was takenwas taken in March 1880, so Ruth could have just to live with her late mothers family (abducted, atmissed that.night, on horseback is how it is remembered). She was cared for by her mothers younger sister, Ellen. When Ellen married William Allen they all went to live at Great Givendale which is how Ruth came to be at Bishop Wilton School. When Ruth had her first child she named her Ellen after her mothers sister who brought her up.Ruth Theasby Barker had two further children and died in 1930From the School Log Book:Ruth was at Bishop Wilton School when Harry Bramley was head as he commenced in 1879.Various entries in the School Log Book have a bearing on Ruths story:Jan 15 1880 11 of the girls who are backward with their sewing are having an extra hour this afternoon in the house.This shows the importance of sewing as they were trying to finish their work before examination by an Inspector the outcome BULLETIN 17 331'