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The Villagers Fight for their New School
1746

When Thomas Hammond died, his personal affairs were still suffering from the death of his father Anthony in the Fleet Debtors Prison and his own affairs were in something of a mess. He had however promised the villagers of Somersham a charity school. Worried that they might be robbed of such a valuable asset for the community, the residents got together and petitioned, together with the local Rector to ensure that Thomas's will would be done!

A Petition of the Parishioners of Somersham

To the Trustees Appointed and by the last will and Testement of Thomas Hammond late of Somersham deceased Esq. Dated the 25 of December 1746 Touching a legacy of £200 therein devising to the poor of the Parish of Somersham aforesaid to be by them distributed annually to the poor of the said Parish of Somersham.

The Petition of the parishioners of Somersham and also the poor of the Parish aforesaid. In Honourable

Humbly wherewith That the Reverend Daniel Whiston, Curate of the said Parish and had been 45 years and upwards, and who was intimately acquainted with the said Testator, did make affidavits and therein depose that he had heard him several tymes affirm he would at his Death have an handsome legacy for the Endowment of a Public School and every likelihood it was owing to Inadvertancy in not living to express soe in the said will knowing that it was formerly his said Resolution to leave for a school.

Wherefore ye Petitioners Humbly Crave and Desire That the interest and produce of the said £200 may be laid out to Endow a Charity School for the Education of the poor children only in Somersham aforesaid as we are all in general desirous thorough That it may not be applied to any other before. Petitioners shall ever pray

130 names now follow in 6 columns

Legible are the following with column reference in brackets

JohnTaylor (1)
John Eden (1)
Martin Rowling (1)
John Leeds (2)
Jane Leeds (2)
James Hubbard (2)
James Mason 2)
Edward Brown (2)
John How (2)
Richard Baisley (2)
John Woodcock (3)
Joseph Barnes (4)
John Burton (4)
Robert Groom (5)
John Fisher (6)
Roger Taylor (6)

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