A HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE 



The history of the only schools entitled to be called ' ancient,' as 

 existing before Edward VI., has already been given. 



At Southampton it is suggestive of there having been an ancient 

 grammar school in connection with St. Mary's Church, that the existing 

 grammar school owes its foundation to the last precentor, William 

 Capon, D.D., who had held the office at least from the date of the Valor 

 Ecclesiasticus in 1535. By will of 31 July, 1550, he gave 100 'to the 

 town of Southampton to the erection, rinding, and maintenance of a 

 Grammar School there.' The mayor and recorder and four ' antients ' 

 or ex-mayors, were to have ' the order and oversight thereof.' They 

 were to lend the money to five persons at 10 per cent interest on bonds 

 to be renewed every year, the corporation, the mayor, bailiffs and bur- 

 gesses also entering into a bond with Capon's executors ' justly and truly 

 to employ the said sum of 10 yearly for and towards the finding and 

 maintenance of the said Grammar School for ever and to no other use.' 

 If they made default there was a gift over to the corporation of Salisbury 

 for the money to be distributed among the poor of Salisbury for the 

 health of Capon's soul. The will was proved on 11 October, 1550, by 

 John Capon, Bishop of Salisbury, his brother, Christopher Robinson and 

 William Areton, the executors. 



The corporation then procured a charter from the Crown providing 

 for the erection of the school with a licence in mortmain to hold lands 

 to the extent of 40 a year. The charter, dated 4 June, 1553, granted 

 that there should be a grammar school in the town and county of South- 

 ampton which should be called the Free Grammar School of the mayor, 

 bailiffs and burgesses of the said town and county for the education and 

 instruction of boys and youths in grammar for ever, and ' to consist of a 

 master and usher.' The mayor and bailiffs for the time being were con- 

 stituted a special corporation * to be and to be called the governors of 

 the possessions, revenues, and goods of the said school.' The appoint- 



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