[92c] It has already been stated that lands were given by John Neale in 1575; and by will dated Feb. 7, 1692, Mr. Nicholas Shipley bequeathed £100 to assist poor scholars, but this was lost by the Treasurer, in 1703.
[92d] By an apparently irregular proceeding, the land in Thornton was in 1704, transferred to the Hon. Lewis Dymoke of Scrivelsby, Champion of England. In 1811 the Governors decided to have their rights in this matter investigated. Application was made to the Champion for an explanation of the transaction. The case was submitted to the Charity Commissioners, no reply however was ever received from the Champion, and after a delay of 25 years, the matter was allowed to drop. The £12 a year paid in lieu of the former land does not seem to be an equivalent for the original gift.
[93] The present writer has a copy of this work.
[94] This grant amounted in 1903 to £60 19s. The income for that year, apart from the grant, was £256 11s. 4d.; fees of pupils amounting to £263 10s.; school expenses £473 3s. 8d.
[95a] Among those, formerly connected with the school, who contributed to this Magazine, were the late Head Master, Canon S. Lodge; the Senior Governor, Dr. R. Jalland; A. C. Clapin, a whilome French pupil in the days of Dr. Smith, who was son of an officer in the army of Napoleon I.; and the present writer, who wrote School Reminiscences.
[95b] To the credit and honour of Dr. Smith, he brought his aged father and mother, the former being blind, to Horncastle, and provided for them in their old age. They resided in a small cottage, close to his own house, now adjoining the Great Northern Hotel.
[99a] The writer possesses a copy of this, given to him by the author. He has also a 1st class prize, a book, signed by J. B. Smith and F. Grosvenor as 1st and 2nd masters.
[99b] His practice was always to close the school with these words. When the boys were let out for 10 minutes, to freshen up in the school yard, as was done at 11.30 every morning, the expression was varied to “exire licet.”
[99c] Among the tasks set us to do by ourselves between Saturday morning and Monday, were theses on various subjects, or original verses, on some chosen theme; the writer still possesses several of these, of varied merit. They taught us, however, the careful use of words.
[100a] The ringing of this bell was given up a few years ago, as the Governors decided not to pay for it.