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Stonefield Primary School opened in 1872

Ness's School

Front View of Ness's School

Ness School, as it was affectionately known, was named after Major John Ness who was the Headmaster of the Blantyre Works School from June 1st 1856 - 1874, prior to becoming Headmaster of Blantyre Primary School, formerly known as Stonefield Parish School. where he remained for 32 years. The School was demolished in 1978 to make way for the Clydeview Shopping Centre. Asda has a lot to answer for!

It's a little known fact that Major Ness was primarly responsible for one of only two visits from Africa to Blantyre by David Livingstone. He wrote to him when he was attending lectures in London asking him if he would give an address at a soiree of the members of the Blantyre Literary and Scientific Institute.

Livingstone originally declined saying that he had to return to his adopted Country, Africa, as his work was by no means finished. He also stated that he could not speak well in English and had no wish to learn again.

Ness did not give up and approached Livingstone's Mother, who lived at Peacock Cross in Hamilton, for her help. She wrote to her son and so David Livingstone returned to Blantyre and attended the soiree.

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