York St John University

York St John opened on 17 May 1841 The college opened with a single student, 16 year old Edward Preston Cordukes from York. 1 more student arrived in July and another 2 in September. These candidates for the college had to bring a certificate with them to show their “moral character, docility and general aptitude”. In 1841 and for the next 134 years the college’s primary role was the training of schoolteachers. Students could enter the college at 15 years old. The age of entry was raised to 17 in 1844. By 1842 there were 11 students. The days for students were intense. They would have risen at 5:30am and attended their first study period from 6:00am to 6:45am. This was followed by breakfast and prayers. Between 5:00pm and 6:30pm there was work in the gardens or military drill and after supper more study from 7:00pm to 9:40pm. This was followed by prayers and "gas turned off" at 10:00pm.

York St John opened on 17 May 1841 The college opened with a single student, 16 year old Edward Preston Cordukes from York. 1 more student arrived in July and another 2 in September. These candidates for the college had to bring a certificate with them to show their “moral character, docility and general aptitude”. In 1841 and for the next 134 years the college’s primary role was the training of schoolteachers. Students could enter the college at 15 years old. The age of entry was raised to 17 in 1844. By 1842 there were 11 students. The days for students were intense. They would have risen at 5:30am and attended their first study period from 6:00am to 6:45am. This was followed by breakfast and prayers. Between 5:00pm and 6:30pm there was work in the gardens or military drill and after supper more study from 7:00pm to 9:40pm. This was followed by prayers and "gas turned off" at 10:00pm.