Early Schools, Steeple Ashton

In 1779, John Hicks left £5 a year for the education of poor children in Steeple Ashton. The parish clerk, in 1818, conducted a school of 14 children who were taught for free and whose fees and clothing were paid for by the vicar. In 1814, John Togwell left £50 a year to educate 30 poor boys and 20 poor girls of Steeple and West Ashton. In 1818, a Sunday school was attended by 70 children. The vicar taught 16 poor girls, whose education and clothing were provided by Lady (Richard) Long. By 1846 Steeple Ashton and Semington had two Sunday schools, with 76 boys and 74 girls. A master received £35 a year and a mistress £20 a year. The total expenses of £75 a year were met by endowments, subscriptions and fees.