William George Fretton

“ The school appears to have been opened in a tenement behind the old Drapers’-hall in Bayley-lane, for which the trustees paid an annual rent of £4, the trustees holding their meetings in the hall. The first master was a Mr. Joseph Plant. He held the situation for 42 years, and was buried in St. Michael's Church, his stone being near the south porch, in the cross aisle. He was a licensed master, and the old books of the charity contain a considerable quantity of his writing in the plain and formal characters of the period. ”

“ They are carefully taught in the principles of the Christian faith, according to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, also in reading, writing, and casting accounts, and such other branches of secular instruction as may fit them for entering usefully on their future callings. ”

“ At this period the dress of the scholars presented a peculiarly grotesque appearance, and consisted of a stiff and by no means superfine hat, coat without either collar or lining, of similar cut to that now in use, but of much coarser and inferior material, knee breeches, blue stockings, and low shoes, with buckles. ”

“ The boys are elected annually, in February or March, and are selected from the children of resident mechanics, whose circumstances, character, or industry recommend them. The candidates are nominated by the trustees, and must be over ten years of age and under 11 at the time of their admission, and must produce a certificate of their baptism on application. ”

“ Booth, builder, and forming part of the trustees property, was then appropriated to the master's use, the garden attached to it being added to what was left of the former one. In 1853, the funds having accumulated and been increased by sundry donations and good annual collections, an increase of 10 was added to the number on the foundation ”

“ Hughes his bill, £08,, 10,, 00," from which it appears that the clothing was supplied by a person bearing the same name as the worthy tradeeman who has for many years past fitted the boys with such satisfaction to the trustees. In the year following is an entry of £01,, 01,, 00, paid to the schoolmaster for "extraordinary trouble." Shortly after the establishment of the school we find three other trustees associated with the original executors in the management of it. ”