Bootham School

Bootham School was founded in 1823 and both William Tuke and Joseph Rowntree (Senior) were instrumental in its creation and governance. This was the school attended by Joseph and many generations of Rowntree family male members and other Quaker famiy members from across Britain and Ireland. It remains a thriving Quaker school today. Joseph’s love of nature was nourished by the important role of science, and the observation of nature, in Quaker education. The school had the first Natural History Society and observatory in the country with a refracting telescope. Boys were encouraged to take an active interest in the political questions of the day including anti-slavery, social justice, equality and humane treatment of the prisoners and the mentally ill. Leisure time pursuits were also highly valued.