Thomas Tatum's Charity School, Mere
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In 1765 Thomas Tatum left £10 a year to provide for the schooling of 10 poor boys in the Cross Loft of the Market House. The bequest stated that they should be taught to 'read, write and cast accounts'. For many years 10 boys were taught, beginning at an age between eight and thirteen and staying for three years. Later the schoolmaster, Charles Glover, also took between 20 and 30 fee paying pupils, aged between eight and fourteen years.