Farndon: The History of a Cheshire Village, Frank A. Latham (Ed.)

Page 76;

In 1850 there were two academies in Farndon. One was run by James Mullock and the other by George Rushby. The latter was still in existence in 1860 together with one founded at Farndon Hall by Henry Armstrong.

Farndon Hall was a Classical and Mathematical boarding establishment for young gentlemen. By 1864, this, together with a boarding school for young ladies at Farndon House run by Miss Ann Nicholas, and a further boarding school administered at Farn Hill by Richard Sergison, were all attracting pupils. In 1874, however, Farn Hill was no longer an educational establishment and was recorded as the home of an auctioneer.

In 1870 the Farndon Hall Classical and Commercial Academy (as it was known) was still in the control of Henry Armstrong. This had 36 boarders, mainly from the Liverpool and Manchester areas, and James Blake who was born at Barton, appears to have been the only local boy. Henry Armstrong died in 1880 and was thus described by the Rev. Owen,

'He was a well-known figure who kept a very large middle-class school which he only recently gave up. He was a striking looking man—tall and thin. He always wore a swallow-tail coat and was the best penman I ever saw'.

Page 45;

The 1881 Census notes the following:—

Farndon Hall—46 people in residence, which included schoolmaster Mr. Henry Armstrong, wife and family, pupils, and both inside and outside servants.

Frank A. Latham (Ed.), Farndon: The History of a Cheshire Village, (1981)