SCHOOLS 



Under the rule of Mr. Waring, or Warren (1685-1707) the school 

 was in a flourishing state, and in one year (1692) contributed no less 

 than four of its boys to the single college of St. John's, Cambridge. 



David Standish, appointed head master in 1707, was also a minor 

 canon and rector of Woodstone. To be in three places at once was no 

 doubt difficult. Hence when in 17 10 the chapter made new rules, which 

 were for the most part merely reproductions of those of 1683, the sixth 

 shows a somewhat remarkable state of things; 'that the master and 

 usher do so agree upon the hours of attendance as that one of them 

 at the least be always present with the boys in all school time.' 



In 17 1 4 on visitation by the chapter it was agreed that the master 

 should be admonished by the Dean. 



At the same meeting the usher, Mr. Sparkes, was also ' convened.' 

 He had been performing his duties by deputy, being also a minor canon. 

 When remonstrated with he at once resigned, and his deputy, Mr. 

 Richardson, was appointed in his place. The admonition to Mr. Standish 

 was in vain, for at a chapter meeting held on 20 June, 1720, we find the 

 same complaints repeated. The fabric was dilapidated and the number 

 of scholars decreased, ' which is in great measure to be attributed to the mis- 

 understanding or non-observance of the Chapter Act, 1 9 June, 1 7 1 o, which 

 obliged the master and usher to attendance in the school at school hours.' 



While agreeing to make the necessary repairs in the schoolhouse 

 they also laid down a rule as to hours. ' For the encouragement of 

 a greater resort of scholars thereto, and their better institution (i.e. 

 instruction) therein, the master and usher are and shall be obliged to 

 take and observe for school hours the hours from six to eleven in the 

 summer season (i.e. from Lady Day to Michaelmas) and from seven 

 o'clock to eleven in the winter season (i.e. from Michaelmas to Lady 

 Day). And in the afternoons throughout the whole year from one till 

 five on all work days, Thursdays and Saturdays excepted, when the master 

 may dismiss them at three or sooner, if he sees cause.' They then 

 recommended to the master to observe ' as near as may be the same 

 rules and methods in teaching in our school, as are and have been used 

 with so much praise and profit in the famous school of Eaton.' ' And 

 for the master's better encouragement herein, we will effectually recom- 

 mend it to the scholars of our Foundation and to their parents and 

 governors to make all proper return of respect and thankfulness to the 

 master for this increase of his labour and care.' 



David Standish died very shortly after this ruling. On 20 October 

 in that year another David Standish, his son, was appointed to officiate as 

 master until the next audit, while the minor canonry was given 

 to a Mr. Hill. David Standish II was at this time still an under- 

 graduate of St John's College, Cambridge. At the yearly meeting in 

 June, 1 72 1, he was reappointed for a year 'by way of probation and 

 tryall of his fitness,' and the following year, having taken his degree in 

 the meantime, was elected 'first master' and also a minor canon. He 

 married that year the second master's daughter. 



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