Choristers' School, Salisbury

This was probably founded by Bishop Osmund, later St. Osmund, in the late 11th century and a date of 1091 has been suggested. There is an endowment charter of c.1139 to the 'School of Salisbury' but the school was frequently short of money. In 1323 the right of presentment of the living of Preshute (near Marlborough) was given to the Custos (Warden) of the Choristers' School and for 20 years the first house used by the school was the Hungerford Chantry. By 1347 the school had moved to a house in Bishop's Walk, which was then called Choristers' School. The boys were under the instruction of a warden and sub-warden and more money was provided for the school from 1352 onwards. The boys were taught to sing and to read music; when their voices broke they were promoted to altarists with the responsibility for tending an altar while they also received practical training for a clerical career.

In the early days the boys literally had to beg food from the houses of the Cathedral clergy but later they were provided with both accommodation and food, although not always enough of the latter. The choristers also elected a Boy Bishop on the Feast of the Holy Innocents (28th December) who presided at a solemn cathedral service and received all the offerings on that day. He later gave a feast to all his fellows. A great deal of information about the school can be found in 'Sarum Close: a history of the life and education of the Cathedral Choristers for 700 years', by Dora Robertson, published by Jonathan Cape, 1938. The Choristers' School eventually became the Cathedral School.