44 KINGSBRIDGE 



In consequence of dissensions among the trustees, the 

 house was for many years uninhabited, and the school 

 deserted. At length, in 1779, the trustees appointed the 

 vicar of Churchstow and Kingsbridge, the Rev. John Wil- 

 cocks, A.B., formerly of Merton College, Oxford, to the 

 mastership. This gentleman dying in August, 1809, the 

 school was again suffered to remain vacant for nearly two 

 years (" no ostensible holding of the establishment, at least," 

 says Hawkins, "was apparent"). In June, 1811, the Rev. 

 Robert Lane, A.B., formerly of Baliol College, Oxford, and 

 perpetual curate of Salcombe chapel, received the appoint- 

 ment; and since that time several other masters have had 

 it in succession. 



We will here introduce a letter, which was addressed 

 to the master of the Grammar School in the year 1700, 

 by Henry Hingeston, a man who boldly and conscientiously 

 lifted up his voice, and wielded the pen, against many 

 of the evil practices which prevailed in this town in his 

 day. 

 " Respected Friend, 



* * * The occasion of this, at present, 

 was from my hearing, two days since, of a cock-match 

 shortly to be fought by the scholars, and I am apt to 

 think, not without thy approbation, either directly or 

 indirectly, which hath occasional me to think it my duty 

 to request thee to silence it, and that for many reasons, 

 not only from the duty incumbent on thee as a master, 

 but more especially as a professed minister of a self-denying 

 Jesus. 



I was last year grieved on the same account, when I heard 

 of the same action then going on in the school * * * 

 inasmuch that I made bold to acquaint my neighbour, 



