or
alter, enlarge, &c., and to mortgage, &c., in order to provide suitable
(premises), spinning wheels, &c., and to make rules for management, as
shall to their judgment seem needed, agreeing with the said Benjamin
Handley, and his heirs, &c., subject in all things to the Court of
Chancery at Westminster."

The present status of the school is as follows: The original premises are
still in use, standing in a retired position, in "Watson's Yard," about
50 yards from West Street; they consist of school buildings, play yard,
and teacher's residence. In 1835 the school was enlarged and repaired.
In 1895 it was further improved by the removal of bedrooms above, when it
was opened up to the roof; at the same time a commodious classroom was
added at the east end. Accommodation was thus provided for 120 children.
The increase in scholars necessitated an increase in the teaching staff,
and the Head Teacher, Mrs. Robert Marshall, who was appointed in 1885,
has, since these alterations, been assisted by an Under Mistress and two
Monitors.

The scholars are of both sexes, and between the ages of three years and
seven. The school is conducted on Church of England principles, and
examined by both Diocesan and Government Inspectors; a Government Grant
being earned to supplement the funds of the Watson bequest. The scholars
are taught reading, writing and arithmetic, with the various kindergarten
subjects. The Secretary to the Charity, H. Tweed, Esq., Solicitor, of
Horncastle, pays half the rents to the Lincoln County Council, for
teachers' salaries, and retains the other half for repairs and incidental
expenses. All the other tenements in Watson's Yard are the property of
the Charity.

THE LANCASTERIAN & THE BELL SCHOOLS.

Beside the endowed schools, already described, the Grammar School for the
middle and upper class, and Watson's School for the children of the
poorer classes; there were two other schools before the present National
Schools came into existence, the history of which is of some interest.
Weir, in his _History of Horncastle_, says "a school, on the
Lancasterian, or British system, was established at a public meeting,
held in October, 1813; and, a few days later, a meeting was held at the
church, when it was resolved to establish a school on the plan of Dr.
Bell. Both buildings were erected in 1814, supported by voluntary
contributions, each for about 200 children." {111}

This needs some explanation.