Jesse Brookfield was a fondly remembered infant class teacher in Rosemarket School, known by her pupils as Miss Brookfield. One of those pupils was Rosemarket Local History Society (RLHS) Committee Member, Ashely Warlow, who was taught by her during the 1950s.

A member of Jesse’s family has kindly agreed to share her story with us.

Jesse was born in Liverpool in 1892. She and her brother, Frank, were the children of Frank and Jane Anne Rouse. Her father was younger brother to William Rouse of Hazelbeach although both brothers were actually born in St Ives, Cornwall. 

Jesse's brother, Frank, served in World War 1 and was killed at Paschendale. He was sorely missed by everyone in the family.

Jesse herself trained as a teacher, like her mother and grandmother before her. She initially worked in Liverpool before marrying Harold Brookfield and having three children, Elsie, Dorothy and yet another Frank. Shortly after Dorothy was born, the whole family moved to Hazelbeach to be near William and his large family.

Once all three children were old enough to attend school, Jesse went back to the teaching that she loved. She took up a position at Rosemarket School, cycling from Hazelbeach and back every day. Sometimes, if the weather was bad, the postman gave her and her bike a lift in his van!

Jesse stayed at Rosemarket School happily until her retirement in the 1960s.

Even after her retirement, Jesse remained in contact with many of the children who had been in her care and was always delighted to meet them or hear news of their careers, successes or families.

Jessie Brookfield

Jessie passed away in August 1989, but the teaching tradition continued with both her daughter, Dorothy, and granddaughter, Jennie, becoming teachers.

Rosemarket Local History Society would like to thank the family of Jesse for sharing her story with us.