By Ken McDonald, Secretary
Until the 19th century, education in England was mostly linked to religious institutions or funded by wealthy donors.
The Education Act of 1870 made a commitment to the provision of education to all on a national scale.
The Hundred Parishes has some fine examples of schools that were founded prior to this time and continue to educate young people today.
Felsted School was founded in 1564 by Richard Rich, the first Baron Rich. Under Henry VIII, he accumulated immense wealth whilst overseeing the dissolution of the monasteries, and he was later appointed Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward VI.
Dame Joyce Frankland, 1531-1588, lived at Rye House in Stanstead Abbotts, the wife of the lord of the manor. Her son was killed by a fall from his horse. In her will, Dame Joyce remembered him by providing funds for the education of boys at many locations including the “ffree grammar schole” in Newport, now The Joyce Frankland Academy.
St, Edmunds College in Standon parish is the oldest Catholic college in England. The main building dates from 1769. The school chapel is Grade I listed, built in the mid-19th century and designed by A.W.N. Pugin whose best-known work is Big Ben, the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament.
Some schools built after 1870 have adopted the names of notable locals. For example Leventhorpe Academy in Sawbridgeworth was established in 1965 and named after the Leventhorpe family. Sir John Leventhorpe died in 1625 and has one of the finest memorials in Sawbridgeworth parish church.
Ralph Sadleir School in Standon was founded in 1971 and named after Sir Ralph who was born in 1507 and knighted in 1543 by Henry VIII. When Queen Mary I came to the throne, Sir Ralph retired to live quietly in Standon.
For further information please see www.hundredparishes.org.uk
