Harwich Free School
HARWICH FREE SCHOOL is a large building, in King's Quay street,
containing the master's residence, and the school room, in which
32 poor boys, nominated by the Corporation, are instructed,
gratuitously, in reading, writing, arithmetic, and the principles
of the Christian religion. It was built on corporate land by
Humphrey Parsons, Esq., one of the members of the borough, in 1725,
when the Corporation agreed to pay £20 a year to the master,
who should be appointed by them, and be a clergyman of the Church
of England. In 1717 John Rolfe left £50 to be applied
for the education of two poor children. For the instruction of
four more, £60 was left by Daniel Smyth, in 1727, and £25
by Wm. Godfrey, in 1730. John Robinson, Esq., one of the borough
members, in 1902, gave £150, and directed the interest to be
applied in providing books for the free scholars. This sum is lent
to the commissioners for paving, and improving the town. In 1810,
the Corporation advanced the master's salary to £40 a year,
and in 1816, they increased the number of free scholars from 20
to 32. The NATIONAL SCHOO, attended by about 100 boys, and 60 girls,
was built by the Corporation, in 1813, at the cost of £800.
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