Summary

This medal was struck to commemorate the centenary of the establishment of Sunday Schools in 1880. The medal pictures Robert Raikes, generally considered the father of the Sunday School movement, although Bible reading and the teaching of basic skills on a Sunday was an established activity in some eighteenth century Puritan and evangelical congregations, and in Wales some circulating schools offered a Sunday School. Robert Raikes started his first school for the children of chimney sweeps in Gloucester in 1780. Raikes used his position as proprietor and editor of the Gloucester Journal to publicize the work. After his first editorial in 1783, Sunday Schools rapidly expanded. Two years later an undenominational national organization, the Sunday School Society, was set up to co-ordinate and develop the work.
Mint: not recorded.

Obverse Description

Bust of Robert Raikes facing 3/4 left; around, ROBERT RAIKES

Reverse Description

Around on raised rim, * CENTENARY OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS * VICTORIA at centre, JUNE / 1880

Edge Description

Plain

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