James Mundell facts for kids

James Mundell (who died in 1762) was a Scottish teacher. He started and ran a special school called Mr Mundell's school in the West Bow area of Edinburgh. The school was open from 1735 to 1762.

James Mundell was the uncle of Robert Mundell. Robert was in charge of Wallace Hall, another school that used teaching methods similar to James Mundell's school in Edinburgh.

About James Mundell

James Mundell married Agnes Bennet, whose father was a brewer. They had a son named Robert Mundell (who died in 1775). This Robert became a well-known printer. After Robert's death, his mother Agnes continued to run his printing business.

On July 16, 1740, James Mundell became a Burgess of Edinburgh. This was an important title that gave him special rights and responsibilities in the city.

Mr Mundell's School in Edinburgh

Mundell's school taught subjects known as the humanities. These subjects include things like history, literature, and philosophy. Boys and girls attended the school, and they mainly learned in Latin.

The school was for the wealthiest families in Edinburgh. These families often lived in the Lawnmarket area. Mr Mundell's school was a competitor to the High School. One advantage it had was being closer to the fancy parts of the city. Mundell's school also accepted younger children, usually around six years old. The High School typically started teaching children at age eight.

The school had a very small staff. It was just James Mundell himself and one assistant, called an usher. His younger brother, Alexander Mundell, was the first usher.

Famous Students of the School

A list from 1789 shows that 568 boys and 94 girls went to Mr Mundell's school. Many of these students later became famous people. Here are some of them:

• William Baillie, Lord Polkemmet
• James Boswell
• William Brodie
• David Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan
• Ilay Campbell
• George Fergusson, Lord Hermand
• Dr Andrew Hunter
• Alexander Monro
• Donald Monro
• John Monro
• Daniel Rutherford
• Caleb Whitefoord