UNTIL its closure in the late 1950s the King's Manor building in Exhibition Square, now occupied by the University of York, was the home of the Yorkshire School For The Blind, where my late father was music master.

With the current interest in William Wilberforce and his part in the abolition slavery, it may interest people to know that the blind school was dedicated to him.

I well remember from my childhood that a bust of Wilberforce stood in an alcove inside the main entrance gazing down the path towards Exhibition Square.

I have, in fact, an engraving (one of several of the King's Manor) by A Buckle dated 1883, in which the bust can be seen through the doorway and part of the name board bearing his name is also visible.

I have often wondered what became of the bust when the school closed. It would also be interesting to know why this York school was dedicated to Wilberforce. Can any of your readers enlighten me?

David McElheran, Manor Park Road, York.