Ralph Broome's School, Lyneham

In 1716 Ralph Broome bequeathed £450 to the parish to provide for a school master, who was to be appointed by the trustees of the charity. 30 poor children of Lyneham were to be taught reading, writing, arithmetic and the Christian religion according to the Church of England.

No more is known about the school until 1819 when 41 children attended, some of whom actually boarded in the master's house. An old and infirm man assisted the schoolmaster and it was thought that the charity children were neglected. However, by 1834 the premises had improved containing a schoolroom and another four rooms. The average attendance in the summer was 20 pupils and in the winter this rose to 40. Day children and boarders were generally admitted at 6 years old and remained at the school until they were 12 years of age. In 1835 additional fee-paying pupils, probably boarders, were taught in the school.

The school room is described by William Warburton as being 'a low irregularly-shaped room, with flagged floor, and a few oak desks of the kind formerly in vogue.' He also informs us that, 'The school forms part of a very ancient dwelling-house, in which the master lives.' (For more information see under Lyneham National School).