AND ITS .SURROUNDINGS. 47 



out poor scholars, of not less than two years' standing 

 at the said free school, to good trades; but that no larger 

 sum than eight pounds should be given with each, and 

 a like sum at the expiration of their apprenticeship 

 (provided they behaved well) to set them up in business."* 



There have been changes in the administration of both 

 these charities since the first foundation, and doubtless 

 there will be more as time advances, and new plans are 

 found desirable, in place of the old. 



The Kingsbridge Gazette of March 29th, 1873, says:— 

 "It has been felt by Kingsbridge people, for some time 

 past, that the salary of Duncombe's lecturer should be in- 

 creased, either by money, or by the provision of a residence. 

 Duncombe's Trustees appear to have taken the same view, 

 and have applied to the Charity Commissioners to be allowed 

 to give the lecturer possession of Duncombe House at a 

 nominal rent; and we are glad to say the request has 

 been granted." 



The National and British Schools for the two parishes 

 of Kingsbridge and Dodbrooke are both situated in the 

 latter place, and will be referred to bye-and-bye. 



About the year 1844, the Rev. John Tucker opened a 

 school, under the name of the "Kingsbridge Classical, 

 Mathematical, and Commercial School." This, Avhen it fell 

 into other hands, became known as " St. Edmund's School." 

 It is a very old building, if we may judge by the low stone 

 archway at the entrance. 



We believe that it was on these premises that John 

 Morris, a native of Ringwood, in Hampshire, followed the 

 profession of a schoolmaster for many years, with great 



* For copy of W. Duncombe's will, see appendix to Hawkins' History of 

 Kingsbridge. 



