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This is the first time that I have come across this school being called the National Girl's School. The description suggests the school was only 'referred to as' (suggesting 'allegedly') a Church of England School from 1920. I attended from 1952 to 1958 and it was then most definitely a CofE School, with regular visits from the local vicar. Pupils attended the next door St Lawrence [sic] Church for services on key Christian calendar dates that fell on school days. Miss Protheroe was the head during the time I was there; year classes were increased from three to five in that time as the postwar 'baby bulge' took effect. To accommodate the new classes, two extra classrooms of wood construction were built at right angles to the original school building. After the school closed, these newer buildings were used by the Wiltshire Library Service and a veterinarian. Class teachers, in order from 2nd to 5th year of my attendance, were Mrs Holgate, Miss Cudmer, Mr Pressly, and Miss Protheroe.

I am from Victoria Australia and intend to visit Downton in May, to look for any evidence of my Edsall ancestors. I have records going back to 1567and wondered if there were any of their graves in this Churchyard. My direct line is: Valentine Edsalle 1567-1634 his wife Agnes John Edsall 1610-1669 his wife Cecily (Sisley/ Sirif) Valentine (again) 1630-1708 two wives Agnes and Mary Simon Edsall 1669-1726 His wife Joanah William Edsall 1704- 1790 His wife Jane Loveday Simon (again) 1773-1806 his wife Mary Mullins whose children seem then to be born in Truro, and his probate was issued in Truro, so maybe Simon was not buried in Downton? Thankyou if you are able to help Christine Sanger