With writing and artwork by the children of Balby Central Primary Academy (Year 6), St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School (Year 6), and Town Field Primary School (Year 4).
Front cover illustration by Phil Sheppard (www.philshepp.com)
Foreword
I began to research Doncaster’s lost Victorian marvel, the Sand House, back in 1983. At the time I intended it to be merely a private hobby, to find out more about part of my family history. I had no thoughts at all about sharing my findings beyond my immediate relatives. It was not until a few years later, when I was approached to co-write the first book on the subject, that I began to realise how much interest there was in this unique feature of Doncaster’s past.
Since that first publication in 1988, people’s awareness of the Sand House has increased greatly. A second book was published in 2010 and a major exhibition of sand sculptures, “Sand House, the Elephant in the Room” followed in 2012.
The Sand House Charity was formed in 2017. Since then, my ancestor’s dwelling, carved from solid rock, with its adjacent tunnel lined with sculptures, has inspired many projects. They have included a sell-out stage play; guided walks; hundreds of illustrated talks; poetry; songs; pop-up sand art sessions; a permanent display in Doncaster’s new museum; and more besides.
It is always a joy to see the looks of amazement and hear expressions of incredulity from people of all ages when they first learn about the Sand House. That joy is greatest when it is children who are finding out for the first time about this remarkable creation.
I was delighted to visit the schools and meet the children who contributed to this anthology on the days that they were introduced to the Sand House. Their keen interest and positive engagement with the subject were wonderful to witness. I do hope that their enthusiasm comes across to you, the reader, in this anthology.
Richard Bell Chair of Trustees
The Sand House Charity February 2023
Sandstone House
Prepare to be amazed!
Are you tired of plain, unremarkable everyday houses? Do you want something new, fresh, fantastic? Well, lucky for you. You have won the lottery.
Come and see our sensational Sand House, filled with carvings, mysteries and histories.
If you are a museum-lover, then you are in luck! This newfound piece of history is only found in Doncaster, Great Britain. Did I mention it costs no fee? This unique Sand House was made by none other than the magical mind of Henry Senior. Let’s go deeper into the catacombs –right on the walls there is a giant fungus (over 5m in diameter), carvings of a cherub, Queen Victoria, the famous elephant and mahout, and much, much more.
We hope we see you, so…
Come on down to the Sand House, it’s really unique.
Come on down, we’ll show you around; come and take a peek.
You will see all sorts of things: like a king, a clown and much, much more.
Come on down to the Sand House and come and take a tour.
We promise you we’re not a bore, so come back and look some more!
by Finley, David and Salok, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Artwork by Finley, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
It was a breezy day and I accidentally let go of the lead. My dog ran through a broken fence and went straight into an extraordinary passageway. I quickly scrambled over the fence and crawled into a dark, narrow cave. Even though I was saving my dog, I was a bit curious as well.
Crawling down on my knees, I carefully held on to the lead and crept along the long tunnel. I shook in fright at the old, carved lady standing there. It was so high I had to lean back and stand up to only see her hand which was holding a solid stone. It took me a moment to realise it was a carved statue.
Moving on, I touched the walls cautiously which felt like sandstone. It was hard but solid-looking. At the corner was a creepy clown but it didn’t look happy at all. It looked angry, like it wanted to kill me with its bulging eyes – but it couldn’t of course. Suddenly, his left eye twitched, then his other eye and then his mouth. I screamed and ran away as fast as I could.
I stopped at another masterpiece –an elephant and mahout (its owner) – but the elephant thwacked me out of the tunnel with its rough trunk. Luckily, I still had my dog in my hand.
This journey had really been a mystery!
by Shuuder, Town Field Primary School
Artwork by Chizaram, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Long ago, lying low
Underneath the ground where flowers grow
Descending deep below our humble home
A new wondrous winding world, carved entirely from stone
Once a boulder, now full of intricate monuments, so grand
All so detailed, carved with sleight of hand.
A mysterious mansion, the Sand House its name
Constructed during Queen Victoria’s reign
Cherubs to greet you on your way
Such intricate memorials to stare at all day
But soon its beauty being witnessed forced to a halt
The dwelling filled and all the cruel people’s fault
It left no longer to shine
Forever abandoned in the sands of time.
by Daria and Libby, Balby Central Primary Academy
Doncaster Free Press
Magnificent Sand House built!
Breaking news! In the depths of Doncaster, underground, it has been reported that a Sand House has been carved completely out of sandstone walls. Local genius Henry Senior is thought to be behind this masterpiece.
Back in 1832, they started work on the quarry. Now, the Sand House has been created and the tunnels, cloisters and catacombs have been created with statues inside. The Sand House contains: 2 floors, a ballroom, library, fireplace, sand chairs, fine furniture, long room, piano, kitchen, sitting room, washroom, four beds and a stable.
Doncaster Free Press has interviewed the Sand House’s creator, Henry Senior: “I invented the Sand House to make something creative for Doncaster,” he said. “I can’t wait to welcome people to my amazing structure and its fascinating catacombs!”
by Victoria and Maya, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Temples untouched underneath Doncaster
Endless rooms await discovery
Multiple sculptures wait to be found
People put in time, effort, to dig constantly
Layers of stone are waiting patiently
Empty craters filled with mystery
by Mescha-Jai and Yanis, Balby Central Primary Academy
Artwork by Sophie, Balby Central Primary Academy
It was a sunny day and my cat was so happy. I chased her down the street and through a broken window – just in time to see her disappear down an extraordinary pitch black hole. Feeling panicked and a little curious, I knelt down and started to crawl down a narrow passageway.
As I cautiously crept deeper into the tunnel, I looked up and saw an amazing and lovely cherub staring down at me. It had been carved out of the sandstone above me. Feeling scared and frightened, but amazed at this incredible masterpiece, I carefully tiptoed forwards.
by Ellie, Town Field Primary School
In the deepest darkest depths of Doncaster
The Sand House awaits
Underground
Safe and sound
Tubes going left and right
Towering statues frozen in fright
If you go there
You’ll see its flair
The king is like a pharaoh
In its tomb so far below
The Sand House sleeping underground
Hoping, hoping to be found.
by Joshua, Balby Central Primary Academy
Down in the deep dark Doncaster
A swelling sound
Lying underground
Tunnels lie with mystery
With the temples of sand
Untouched and unknown.
by Teagen and Shanelle, Balby Central Primary Academy
Artwork by Ryan, Town Field Primary School
Doncaster’s News
Doncaster’s exquisite Sand House created
The Sand House has been made by Henry Senior, a marvellous man, who carved it into his sandstone quarry with his workers.
The Sand House is located in Balby, Doncaster, in a sand quarry.
In 1832, the quarry began; in 1857 the Sand House is carved; in 1860 to 1879 the tunnels, cloisters and catacombs were created with statues inside.
Many people still come to the Sand House to admire the unusual cloisters: a cherub, Queen Victoria, Biddy (an old lady), Pat (a 3-metre tall man), a mahout and elephant, a king and a clown.
We were lucky enough to interview the Sand House’s great creator, Henry Senior. He stated, “I introduced the Sand House because I wanted people to have something new and for people to admire a work of art.”
Inside the Sand House is a ballroom, dining room, library, fireplace, sand chairs, fine furniture, a long room, piano, kitchen, sitting room, washroom, four bedrooms and a stable. It is a two-storey house.
by Brooklyn and Ethan, St Francis Xavier Primary School
Artwork by Misan, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary
In the deep, dark, dull Sand House cloisters, I crept quietly into the mysterious underground caverns. The silence was eerie and secretive. I gasped and stared in amazement at a strange, ancient elephant sculpture towering above me. He was almost twice as big as me and looked as strong as iron. It was carved out of the sandstone wall and looked as real as can be. Cautiously, I reached out and touched its sandstone trunk – it felt sandy, hard, rough and as cold as an icy pathway.
by Lily, Town Field Primary School
Sand House, Sand House, how magnificent you are, Down below Doncaster far, Carved and chiselled sculptures everywhere Queen Victoria is actually there!
Like a labyrinth of adventure waiting to be explored
Don’t worry – you won’t get bored.
A majestic, royal king reigns from above, A cherub just like a protective dove, Henry Senior, the head of this place, Hopefully to be discovered… one day!
by Harrison, Balby Central Primary Academy
Down in the gritty, grand, narrow tunnels
I stand suffocated by the sandy, solid walls
I see a beam of beautiful brightness shine onto our face
People walk past, jabbing closely near me,
Mahout shouting “No” and “Stop” to no avail
We see no one old Luckily
Only children, patting my trunk
Wondering how something so exotic came to Balby.
They do not realise that I am not alive, but full of life.
We see dirt coming our way,
The light is blocked.
Please help us.
by Caden and Dominic, Balby Central Primary Academy
Artwork by Taylor, Balby Central Primary Academy
Be prepared for the mysterious Sand House site!
Come and see the unique designs that have been carved into the sandstone catacomb walls. If you love art and creativity, you’re in luck! Down here in the catacombs we have magnificent sculptures of many varieties.
A sprinkle of adventure, a cup of creativity, and a dash of excitement.
Come and visit the extraordinary Sand House.
by Chizaram and Lilly, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Artwork by Victoria, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Quietly awaiting below the depths, Carved from rocky, rough sandstone, The twisting, turning tunnels, Like a labyrinth of amazed adventure
The mysterious king lies in his tomb, His reign carries on throughout the world.
by Tiana, Balby Central Primary Academy
Down.
In dark Doncaster. A property lay. Dim and dull but yet different The catacombs magnificently meander
Through the secret Sand House. The sands of time
send you aback
For the creator Henry Senior
The saviour of the sandstone sculptures Chipped away, carved with love
Into a grand monument.
by Taylor and Zahra, Balby Central Primary Academy .
Come and explore the historical, majestic Sand House!
The majestic Sand House has been finished, so what are you waiting for? It is your chance to explore. Even though many people are waiting in line, it is worth it! This magnificent phenomenon is in Balby, Doncaster. You might think it is just a house, but it isn’t. It’s carved out of sandstone and has many interesting statues and carvings. Wow! Let’s not give away too much here – just come and see for yourself!
Have we got a challenge for you! When you get here, explore the cloisters (tunnels). Can you find the cherub, statues of Queen Victoria, Biddy (an old lady), Pat (a huge man), the magnificent elephant and mahout. It’ll make your paintings at home look terrible. The king looks like the true protector of Doncaster – but beware of the clown, it’ll make you run out screaming!
by Gabriel, Gab and Oliver, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
The eye-catching, extraordinary Sand House,
Awaits below Doncaster’s deepest, darkest depths, Perfectly chiselled monuments lie patiently under the ground
Safe and sound.
The king, Queen, clown, created by Henry Senior Stand as the Earth goes round and round
The twisting and turning tunnels
Like a labyrinth frozen in time.
by Ayla, Balby Central Primary Academy
Artwork by Max, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
The sands of time are not eternal
The extravagant part is the internal
The Sand House is a place to be
For the statues are a sight to see
Down underground a dull, dim, dwelling where mysteries lie
It may be a while until you see bright blue sky
Down in the labyrinth-like sand tunnels
Twisting and turning like hamster funnels.
by Sophie and Layla, Balby Central Primary Academy
It was a blustery day and my dog was so excited. I chased him down the street, through a broken fence and was just in time to see him disappear.
As I cautiously crept deeper into the tunnel, looking up I saw an amazing and beautiful cherub. It looked down at me and I realised it had been carved out of the sandstone ceiling. Worried and frightened, I carried on down the tunnel.
by Levii, Town Field Primary School
Artwork by Matilda, Balby Central Primary Academy
The extraordinary, eye-catching Sand House
Awaits below Doncaster’s deepest depths
There is a colossal quarry wall,
Descending into the deep, dark, dull cave
The amazing sculptures underground
Mysterious monuments all around
Exploring patterns everywhere
There’s certainly something in the air
The wonderful, creative, carved stones
Stare at me while I go below
Deep down the turning tunnels
Feels like I am in a sparkly world
Seeing an adventure Catching my attention
see the story That hides behind The Sand House
Duaa, Balby Central Primary Academy
To
by
Artwork by Colby, Balby Central Primary Academy
Down under the dim, dull tunnels of Doncaster
The delicate, detailed statues lie in the sand tunnel
A secret underground mansion made of sand rock
Twisting, turning tunnels beneath our feet
Curious children sneak into the mystical, magical cloisters
Of this mysterious place.
by Nathaniel and Connor, Balby Central Primary Academy
Artwork by Emily, Town Field Primary School
In the deep, kooky Sand House cloisters I sneaked slowly into the creepy caverns. It sounded like sand was falling onto the bumpy floor. I went to an archway until I looked next to me and saw a clown sculpture. Its mouth, nose and eyes were squashed together. It was so creepy I stopped dead for a few minutes. I felt like the walls were closing in on me. Luckily, I walked around and saw an Indian man with ancient clothes on alongside a giant elephant. Now I was calm.
by Scarlett, Town Field Primary School
In the dim, rather spooky cloisters of the Sand House, I crept down to explore. I was partly afraid for the mysterious tunnels because I hadn’t been before. I heard dripping around me. Suddenly, towering above me, was an absolutely humongous man – about 30 times bigger than me! It held a massive club in his hand and did not look at all friendly. I was so frightened because I thought it was real, but then I realised… it was just a statue. I took a closer look – he looked as strong as iron.
Turning a few corners, emerging from the wall was a clown! It was gritting its teeth and look full of anger. I reached out to touch it again and again and again. It felt sandy, hard and rough.
by Zoe, Town Field Primary School
Artwork by Salok, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
7th August 1879
Extraordinary Sand House Newly Built
Victorian businessman Henry Senior has carved his own house into a solid block of sandstone. Located in Balby, just across the road to Hexthorpe, the Sand House is just like a museum with a magnificent fireplace, a ballroom and intricate sand chairs carved into the walls. The Sand House’s construction officially started in the year 1832. The reason behind the building of the Sand House is the creative genius of its owner.
Henry Senior made the Sand House, carving it from sandstone. Beneath Victoria Street, there are tunnels nearby. Statues have been carved out of sandstone in the tunnels. In these catacombs, there are various statues such as: a cherub, Queen Victoria, an elephant and mahout, a king and a clown.
Henry Senior – the Sand House creator – told the paper: “I invented the Sand House to create something special for Doncaster. I can’t wait for the people of Doncaster to see my beautiful creation and its fascinating catacombs.”
Mr Hemingway was a primary part of the construction of the Sand House and its cloisters. He told the paper: “The Sand House and its cloisters are truly a genius invention. It wasn’t a promising one at first, but we pulled through and were able to create cloisters as well. It is truly a wonderful and magnificent structure.”
by Misan, Inioluwa and Sophie, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
The Doncaster Post
Down under the deepest, darkest parts of Doncaster
Lies a delicate, detailed dwelling
The secret Sand House.
Hopelessly waiting under town
Disintegrating faster and faster
The stories it could be telling
Deep down
by Thomas and Colby, Balby Central Primary Academy
In the rather spooky underground sand cave cloisters, I crept into the beautiful but scary caverns. As I looked up, a little bit of water dropped on me. It was from a massive sculpture of a man with a frowny face, two beady eyes and a bat in his hand as strong as metal. Next to it was a king statue. It felt dusty, hard and as cold as ice. It looked as real as can be.
by Remi, Town Field Primary School
Artwork by Dominic, Balby Central Primary Academy
The luxurious, immaculate Sand House awaits a reply from above
It sleeps down below the soil, concrete, trash and all sorts
Getting thrown over the magnificent, detailed, intricate house.
This house awaits a reply every day
Waiting for more than 150 years to be called up.
This home, oh this home, carved and carved and carved, Until it is completed, just to be left alone for so long.
Why, oh why, did we leave you?
by Carlos, Balby Central Primary Academy
Daily News, 1879
The Journey Begins!
But how will it end?
A businessman named Henry Senior has decided to make the Doncaster Sand House in his sandstone quarry located in Balby. The Sand House was first carved in 1857 – and it turns out that it was excavated as well! This house is exactly like a mansion. Visitors come from miles to visit this extraordinary achievement.
Decoration
Nearby the quarry, Henry Senior’s trusted men have dug tunnels, extending the Sand House officially underground. The tunnels (known as cloisters) are filled with weird statues, but at the same time they are… stunning! Through the tunnels, visitors are greeted by a cherub, peering down at them. Inside, you would also be greeted with a carving of a king, Queen Victoria and a 3-metre-high Irish woman named Biddy.
Interviews
Henry Senior reported that: “Finally, the Sand House is set” I cannot wait to introduce the Sand House to the visitors!”
After the visitors finished seeing the Sand House, they were shocked. Most visitors had a couple of compliments they would like to share: “This is amazing! All these months of waiting were worth it!”
by Bella, Zuzanna and Jasmine, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Artwork by Ethan, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Down under Doncaster, a dwelling lies untouched and undiscovered. The magnificent Sand House.
A creation
Led by pure imagination.
Carved by a living embodiment of determination.
Beneath the ground awaits extraordinary catacombs
We present a mystery of time.
by Lewis and Mohammed, Balby Central Primary Academy
It was a hot summer day and I was bored so I followed my cat to see where he went on his daily walks. I followed him down the road and through a bush that spiked me all over my arms. I found a mysterious house through a broken fence. I got through the fence and took a few steps until I slid down a really scary, black hole. When my cat noticed I was there, he jumped down and wandered off.
I was curious but scared at the same time. I wandered around and saw an old lady statue looking down at me. She was carrying a handbag. I looked at her handbag and saw a name tag on it saying ‘Biddy’. I tiptoed away from Biddy and found my cat. It led me to an elephant and mahout. This sculpture was lovely to see. I went to find more round the corner. I eventually found the cherub – it was a boy as an angel. I was super curious now. I walked on and saw a creepy clown looking down at me… now I was running, trying to find a way out.
by Elizabeth, Town Field Primary School
Come and witness the magical mystery
The Sand House has been carved out of the pure sandstone of the creator of this remarkable structure, Mr H Senior. In this structure, you will come across amazing catacombs. Inside, find intricate sculptures and many unique natural beauties, like a 5-metre fungus!
Prepare to be mesmerised by hand-made sculptures, made of pure sandstone. In the Sand House you will encounter a precisely carved cherub, along with Queen Victoria, Biddy (an interesting old lady), Pat (a huge man), the elephant and mahout, a king and even a clown.
This extraordinary site is now open to the public. Seize the moment then take the chance to experience it for yourself. Only for a price of 6D, you won’t need to worry about financial problems – open from 6pm to 9pm.
by King David, Alfy, Goodluck and Tafadzwanashe, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
One day, I came to see
An immaculate world waiting beneath me
Below me I shall see
What kind of world is there for me.
Descending deep, down below
To see what statues are for show.
Frozen figures in their place
Stare to see my heart race.
Turning tunnels I shan’t fear
To see where I go near
Luxurious sculptures lie in place
They seem to make my heart race
Up I go, out of this place
I save this for another day.
by Jamie-Leigh, Balby Central Primary Academy
It was a hot, warm summer day and my pet white dog was eager to go for a nice walk. My dog took his favourite blue ball with him. I chased my dog. I was in time to see him quickly disappear down a scary, mysterious, black, deep hole. I felt so scared and curious. Feeling so scared, I crawled down the deep, dark hole.
As I crawled down deeper and deeper and deeper, I was shocked. I saw a huge king staring at me from above. I tiptoed carefully down the hole. Then, I saw a huge, tall, fearsome statue. The statue was so tall. I felt even more worried. I quickly ran until I saw a huge, pretty elephant with a man beside it. It wasn’t that scary after all. Whilst I was walking, I saw a mysterious clown looking at me from above. I felt curious again.
I walked deeper and then, I saw a cherub boy angel also looking at me. Finally, I found my dog. I felt so happy!
by Julia, Town Field Primary School
Artwork by Abigail, Balby Central Primary Academy
Down, underground in a place called Doncaster
A dwelling made of sand
Lying untouched from the world
The mysterious, secretive Sand House
The craters carved confidently
Its constructor a mind-blowing person of imagination
The dwelling filled with the most magnificent statues
Cherub, Queen Victoria, elephant and mahout are the models, Sadly a landfill came
And filled the beauty.
by Taiba and Matilda, Balby Central Primary Academy
Visit the Sand House today!
The Sand House has now been officially opened! So what are you waiting for? Come and see the glorious structures and the magnificent wonders of Henry Senior, which include: a beautiful ballroom, a luxurious dining room, and a library full of knowledge.
Why is this building so unusual? This building may look normal, but it isn’t what you think it is. This building is not made of bricks or stones or even wood… it is carved out of sandstone! This excavated building has catacombs, mysterious tunnels, statues and much more to discover. This is history!
So, what carvings are there?
Around this historical mansion there are breath-taking carvings of a cherub, a clown (which is quite frightening), as well as a funny-looking king, elephant and mahout, and finally Queen Victoria herself. These are some of the outstanding structures that you can discover. We hope to see you there!
by Kaya, Chelsea and Max, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary
Artwork by Andreea, Balby Central Primary Academy
The luxurious, descending Sand House
Is awaiting silently like a mouse
Hiding underground
So desperate to be found
The twisting and turning tunnels
Are melting like puddles
They are deep like holes
And tight like walls
The king is dancing
The elephant is singing
The world is happier
Exploring this temple
by Elena, Balby Central Primary Academy
It was a very cloudy day and I was chasing a colourful butterfly because in my mind I thought it was one of a kind. Suddenly, it started pouring down with rain so I quickly went backwards into shelter. Then I accidentally tripped on a group of pebbles and fell on the tip of a stair. I didn’t really know what to do so I scurried into the mysterious building.
After I had gone fully into the cave, I could only see a small hint of light shining through. I started worrying but I carried on sneaking through the unknown place. It was so pitch black in there that I ran into a rough statue, and I began to feel curious so I looked up at an extraordinary sculpture. It was an old granny holding a cane. She looked quite angry – I mean, I would if I had to stay here all these years! I carried on tiptoeing through. Next I saw a gigantic elephant statue and beside it was a strange man. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love elephants, but this kind of creeped me out!
by Isabelle, Town Field Primary School
Artwork by Kaya, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Artwork by Aaron, Town Field Primary School
The supreme, stunning Sand House
Is waiting for you and me
Statues looking down Stuck in time.
Amongst the sandstone
The loyal king
Watching over the cloisters
Reigns from above
Sleeps below its sand kingdom
Like a pharaoh in its tomb
by Finley, Balby Central Primary Academy
An Interview with Richard Bell
As part of this project, Richard Bell, author of ‘The Sand House: A Victorian Marvel Revisited’ and descendant of Sand House creator Henry Senior, visited the schools to answer children’s questions.
Here is an extract taken from an interview at Town Field Primary, conducted by Iris and Alex in Year 4...
Iris: How are you related to Henry Senior, creator of the Sand House?
Richard Bell: Henry Senior was my great great grandfather, my grandmother’s grandfather in fact.
Alex: How does it feel to be related to the creator of the Sand House?
Richard Bell: It feels wonderful. It is such a fascinating story. There’s nothing else like it in the world. Being able to unravel the story and to share it with people like you has been fantastic.
Iris: How did you first find out about the Sand House?
Richard Bell: It was my grandmother. I decided in the 1980s that I must find out more about my family history. One of the first things I did was talk to my grandmother. Even though I had heard the Sand House being mentioned, I didn’t know anything about it. It was through those conversations that I realised how special a place it was, and that no one had really sorted that history out. We should all try to speak to our parents, grandparents and great grandparents about what they remember. They’ve got so much information that I am sure you will find fascinating.
Alex: Did you ever see the Sand House?
Richard Bell: I never saw the house itself. It was buried in about 1938. The tunnels that had the carvings in survived much later and, yes, I did get a chance to go in there about 39 years ago and looked at some of the carvings.
Alex: Did you touch any of the statues?
Richard Bell: Do you know, I can’t remember when I was down there whether I did. Sandstone is quite soft, not like other stone. I probably did - and it was probably the elephant.
Iris: Do you feel like you know everything about the Sand House?
Richard Bell: Definitely not. I know an awful lot about the Sand House and I probably know more than anyone else alive. But there is always more to find out - we know about some of the other families that lived there, but I don’t know about them all. I would like to know more and finding out will probably keep me busy for many more years to come.
Acknowledgements
This anthology is the result of a collaboration between the National Literacy Trust and The Sand House Charity. It has been made possible by the generous support of Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust and their Exploring Culture grant scheme, for which we are most grateful.
Thanks also go to the staff and pupils of Balby Central Primary Academy, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School and Town Field Primary School for their energy and enthusiasm in engaging with the Sand House story. We would also like to thank Leanne Hornsby, Assistant Director: Education, Skills, Culture and Heritage, Children, Young People and Families at City of Doncaster Council for her contribution.
Last but not least, we thank the staff and volunteers at Balby Community Library for hosting the launch for this anthology, and Thomas Frere, for his characterisation of Sand House creator, Henry Senior, at that event.
“It is an absolute privilege to see literacy, local heritage and art converge in the form of this amazing children’s anthology of the Sand House by Doncaster children and young people.
“Reading, writing and reflecting can be such an inspiring way of learning about local history, all skilfully captured with such delightful illustrations, bringing learning to life.
“This is a magnificent book, demonstrating how local history and culture can inspire creativity in all its forms, but moreover how truly talented our children and young people are.”
Leanne Hornsby
Assistant Director: Education, Skills, Culture and Heritage
Children, Young People and Families
City of Doncaster Council
You can find out more about the Sand House the book, The Sand House: A Victorian Marvel Revisited by Richard Bell and by visiting www.thesandhouse.org.uk .
