Old Chudleigh: By Robert M. Ellis: … (discussion continues) … There was now keen competition for the fairs and markets. Humphrey Pinsent paid £73 for them in 1650, but, taught by experience, had a new clause inserted in the lease to the effect that he was to be indemnified for any lose by “sickness, fire, or soldiers.” Philip Veale obtained them in the following year for £71, and Humphrey Pinsent had to pay £81 the next year to recover them. Veale outbid him again in 1656, giving £90, and obtained a five years’ lease which was extended, until in 1677. Pinsent secured them for £120. One interesting entry in these leases is that in 1668 the grazing of the Sporting Place was rented to Veale except one acre, which had been granted to the school House, thus chronicling the commencement of the Grammar School, which was founded by John Pinsent about this date. Education seems to have been coming to the fore during the Commonwealth, for in 1658 the seven men recorded that there was great need of an able and painful schoolmaster in the place, and they agreed with Mr. Pollexfen to come and reopen the old school in the Church House for £13 6s. 8d. yearly, on their part undertaking to put the premises into repair for him…. Continues up to 1677 … …
(See Also) … A meeting of the governors of Pynsent’s Grammar School was held on Monday last. The annual accounts were passed, the balance in hand being £34 12s 6d. Letters from the Board of Education were read as to the prospects of the school, and it was decided to approach Mr. Pinsent, a descendant of the founder, with a view to formulating a scheme for the possible preservation of the Foundation.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
DRO0062 Combe: Humphrey Pynsent: 1599 – 1680