Infant School;
the founder of which placed it under the control of the Grammar School.

The title deeds of this Institution are in the keeping of Mr. H. Tweed,
Solicitor, who is Clerk to the Governors; and from these we gather the
following particulars of its history. Richard Watson in the latter half
of the 18th century was a resident in, and a native of, Horncastle, being
the son of James Watson, who had made money by tanning, at that time a
staple business in the town. Although engaged in trade he ranked with
the resident gentry, his sister, Frances, marrying James Conington, Esq.,
belonging to a family of good position, not only in the town, but in the
county; members of which have also distinguished themselves at the
Universities, the name still surviving. She is referred to in an
Indenture of date 22nd Sept., 25 George III. (1785), as "Frances
Conington, of Boston, widow, formerly Frances Watson, spinster, surviving
sister and heir of Richard Watson, late of Horncastle, gent., deceased,
tanner, and his wife Elizabeth." By her marriage she had a son Francis
Conington, who as nephew of Richard Watson, was the sole executor of his
will and testament. The principal deed has the following external
inscription: "Title deeds of the school, signed, sealed and delivered, by
Benjamin Handley (afterwards called "of New Sleaford"), {108a} in the
presence of Williom Swallow, {108b} supervisor, and Abraham Hanson, of
Horncastle."

The following is the heading within, "Sealed and delivered by Frances
Conington, being first duly stamped, in the presence of Caleb Preston,
and Bowlin Kelsey of Boston." This is further confirmed, as follows:
"Sealed and delivered by Frances Conington, in the presence of William
Swallow, supervisor, and Abraham Hanson, of Horncastle."

Then follows a "Release of lands in Lincolnshire to found a school (dated
22nd Sept., 1785), inrolled in His Majesty's High Court of Chancery, the
8th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1786, being first duly stamped
according to the tenor of the statutes made for that purpose." (Signed)
Thomas Brigstock.

[Picture: The Market Place]

The seals attached to this are those of Frances Conington, James
Conington and Benjamin Handley. There is a note in the margin that
"James Conington came before me this day, and acknowledged this to be his
deed, and prayed the same might be inrolled in His Majesty's High Court
of Chancery. Robert C