A HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 



in teaching, and right understanding of good and true religion, set forth 

 by public authority, whereunto he shall move and stir his scholars.' And 

 he was to teach his scholars sentences of Holy Writ, and, since uniformity 

 was expected in grammar as much as in religion, 'the grammar approved 

 by the Queen's Majesty, and, the accidence and English rules being 

 learned in the First Form, to teach in the Second, Mr, Nowell's catechism, 

 and in the Third Form his large catechisme.' The schoolmaster was to 

 appoint the usher ' by consent of the Wardens of the Grocers.' Both 

 master and usher were to have ' their dwellings and wages during their 

 lives, not being sufficiently convicted to have neglected their office.' If 

 they were so convicted ' yet that they be not straightways removed, but 

 gently warned and admonished.' If after that 'he do not diligently follow 

 his office and charge in the school ' then ' to be utterly expulsed and re- 

 moved ' and another appointed by the wardens. Master or usher were 

 not to be ' common gamesters, haunters of taverns, neither to exceed in 

 apparel, nor any other ways to be an infamy to the school.' 



If (article 8) the master or usher had ' any common disease, as the 

 ague, or any curable sickness,' he was to be ' tolerated ' and receive his 

 wages, if a sufficient deputy was appointed, but ' if (which God forbid) 

 they fall into any infectious or incurable disease, especially through his 

 own evil behaviour,' he was to be put away. If he became impotent 

 from age or infirmity he was to be ' favourably borne withal ' if his office 

 was ' satisfied by a sufficient deputy.' Twenty working days a year was 

 the extent of the vacation allowed, and when one master was away the 

 other was to supply his place ' upon some good convenient allowance as 

 they can agree.' 



As to the scholars, before their admission they should ' be able to 

 write competently and to read both English and Latin. None to tarry 

 above five years in learning his grammar without great cause alleged, 

 and allowed by Mr. Wardens.' 



Boarders were contemplated from the first, the master not being 

 allowed to ' take to board, diet, or lodging in his house or room or other- 

 wise above the number of six scholars,' and the usher not above three, 

 ' but by the license of the Wardens.' Oppidans were also contemplated, 

 article 14 prescribing that ' if the scholar is not dwelling in the town but 

 is to be boarded there, the parents shall take advice of the Masters that 

 he be not placed where as it is known the good man or wife are such as 

 shall not give evil example to the scholars to follow idleness, gaming, or 

 other vicious pastimes, not meet for students.' 



The school was to be a free school, but an entrance fee of bd. was 

 to be paid to the usher for registering the names. 



The school hours were as follows : — 



7 a.m. Prayers ' in such form as the Master shall think best.' 



7.30—1 1. Teaching, reading, and interpreting. 



II — I. Dinner. 



1—5 or 6 p.m. School, ending with ' prayer in such form as the 

 Master shall prescribe, making mention in their prayers always of the 



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