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Year |
Events |
1503 |
Lady Margaret sets up a Chantry at the Minster to say Masses for their souls in perpetuity.The Beaufort connection is celebrated in the “Beaufort Window” on the south side of the Chancel, where her chantry was situated. It was crafted by Thomas Willemot and installed in the 1850's during the restoration of the Minster. |
1506 |
She adds a provision to her will that the Chantry Priest should teach Grammar freely to all who come thereto. At that time, Grammar meant Latin Grammar – this is what was to be taught freely. The Mass was said or sung in Latin. Therefore it fell to the churches to educate a small number of boys in Latin to keep up the liturgy. The Minster had been set up as a College of 4 Secular Canons, whose duties included teaching. College meant that the priests, whilst not being monks, lived together in the same accomodation. The school was adjacent to the Priests House. |
1509 |
Lady Margaret died, not many weeks after her son. She lived to witness the coronation of Henry VIII. |
1510 |
A note in the accounts of Henry Hornby, Dean of Wimborne Minster, an executor of her estate, shows a payment of £5 half- |
1511 |
Sir Richard Hodgekynnes scholar from Eton, admitted King's College, Cambs, 1479, is appointed Chantry Priest and 1st Master. “Sir” simply means that he was a graduate. “the aforesaid Richard shall freely and diligently teach the knowledge of Grammer in a certain house opposite the chamber or mansion of the Sacrist towards the East”. Tithes on properties belonging to the estate of Lady Margaret are assigned for the payment of the Grammar School's expenses. |
1518 |
Edward Laborne, also spelt Laybourne, appointed Master. In 1534 his stipend was £9.10.0d. |
1547 |
Symond Smith MA |
1548 |
Abolition of Chantries by King Edward VI, monies confiscated by the Exchequer. Provision of £10.2.11d p.a. made for the continuation of the school. |
1549 |
Mr Willcher appointed headmaster. (possibly Wittcher) There is a 1547 record shewing him paid £3.6.8d expenses for going to London with Christopher Macham and John Foster ( £7.18.9d expenses), both Governors, to deal with the Commissioners, presumably obtaining the grant above- |
1553 |
Thomas Myles appointed Master. He occupied the 2nd stall of Prebendaries in the Minster. |
1557 |
“The schoolhouse being decayed and not sufficient, the Governors new built it, school house more spacious, the house more commodious for the Head and family but also for the scholars who lived with him”, including the necessary furniture, all for £200, “paid by the Governors aided by the Parish.” This work was completed under the care of Thomas Hanham Esq and was commemorated by a painted glass window at the north end of the chamber with the inscription: - |
1563 |
Solicited by the parishioners of Wimborne Minster, James Blount, Lord Mountjoy of Canford Magna applies to Queen Elizabeth for a patent to re- |
1579 |
Mr John Waltere, Prebend, holder of the 3rd stall, had a pension of £6.13.4d. Governors' minute: “The Schoolmaster Mr Walters should give better attendance to the schollars and keep them in better order in Church as in the streate.” In fact, they gave him notice to be out by Ladye Daye next, “and in his absence a Ticket to be left with his wife for the same warninge”. In the same year it is recorded that Thomas Hanham Esq was among those who entertained Sir Francis Drake to dinner in the City to celebrate his successful return from the circumnavigation of the world. |
1580 |
Giles Lawrence |
1595 |
Mary Longman presents Giles Lawrence in Court for immoral living within the jursidiction of Wimborne Minster. Also that his brother lay in his place and taught the scholars instead of him. Lawrence counter claims that the Governors are incompetent, resulting in a Commission being set up to examine the running of the school. The Minster was also the seat of a Court of the Royal Peculiar which had local jurisdiction over Wills and Title Deeds and other property matters, as well as misdemeanors and non- |
1596 |
Robert Welsteed. Possibly matriculated at Magdalen College, Oxford 1585. In 1593 Symon Welsted is listed as a Governor, could have been related. |
1598 |
John Geare. Matric. Magdalen 1583, MA Queens 1594. “John Geare is retayned by the gov'nors for the scholemaster...yf the scollers shall exceede the nomber of Fyftie that then forthwith it shalbe lawful for the said John Geare to take unto him an usher of his owne choise..” However, Sir Walter Raleigh and Secretary Cecil had other ideas. They advised Sherborne School to make John Geare an offer he couldn't refuse. He agreed and went, taking some of the scholars from Wimborne, to take up residence there in 1601, an event which is recorded in the Annals of Sherborne School. |
1598 |
“a Note of all such implements as the Corporation hath p'vided into the Schoole howse. A seate for the schoolemr in the kitchin: a longe bench round about in schoolmaster's chamber: a bedsteed and table boord In the studie: eight shelfes two deskes and a writing table. At the stairhead: a save- in the greate chamber ................................one shelf and This inventory, to the value of £7.7.8d, was signed by John Grant , schoolmaster, who is not mentioned elsewhere. Presumably he took over at short notice. |
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