The former School
This delightful little building is part of the Old Rectory, sited immediately to the west of the entrance gates from the road.
A view from the writer's chimney level opposite (taken whilst scaffolding in place)
in 2011. The rooflights are modern additions.
In a note contained in the Parish Registers (DCRO) the date of the establishment of the school building is given :
............In the year 1843, during the incumbency of the Rev Francis Skurray, part of the Rectory barn was converted into a School Room. The expenses being defrayed by subscription, but without alienation of the room from the Rectory estate. The work was much promoted by the Rev George Manivell curate.
It is not known if a school existed in the village prior to this date.
The Post Office Directory of 1855 records the school mistress is as Miss Ann Reece teaching the children of the parish and those of Winterborne Abbas. The Directory records the same facts in 1859 and 1875.
Kelly's Directory of 1889 notes ..."Here is a small school for this parish & that of Winterborne Abbas, which holds 60 children; average attendance,39; Miss Mary Boome, mistress"
In 1895, Kellys notes... "Here is a small school for this parish & that of Winterborne Abbas, which holds 85 children; average attendance,67; A.W. Waugh, master".
It would appear that 85 children in this relatively small school would have given rise to overcrowding. This probably prompted the school closure as in 1911 Kellys notes ....
"The children of this place attend the school at Winterborne Abbas".
Martinstown to the east had its own school - closed in the 1976. Converted into a dwelling, it stands just east of the village shop/postoffice.