In the 1830s, England began to see the introduction of schools targeted at the whole population, and soon the first inspectors were appointed. Although they came from privileged backgrounds themselves, the earliest members of the Inspectorate were remarkably quick to recognise and address the challenges faced by teachers in elementary schools. Inspectors were welcomed for the advice and support they offered, so much so that - in what was to become a familiar story - they were attacked and subverted by politicians and officials. This article offers a fresh and vivid insight into the nature of school inspection at that time, and the inspectors who carried it out.