Here at the beginning of 2015, 500 years ago seems very remote. However, we are lucky to still have a direct link back to 1515 in the archives – the foundation documents of the school. Below is a transcript of the text of the document. The document is dated to the 20th August, 1515, so we can even pinpoint the exact day of our foundation. The close links with the Collegiate Church (which became Manchester Cathedral in the 19th century) are apparent. The annual stipend for masters of £10 has increased with inflation!
1 a) Hugh Oldom, bishop of Exeter b) Thomas Longley, rector of the parish church of Prestwich c) Hugh Bexwyke, chaplain d) Ralph Hulme, gent.
2) John, Abbot of St Mary’s Whalley
- Robert Clyff, Master of St. Mary’s College Manchester (Mamcestr’)
All parties responsible for appointing a Master to teach Grammar as it is taught at Banbury. An Usher is to be appointed as his deputy. After the decease of the above parties nomination of new Masters is to be the responsibility of the master and Fellows of the Collegiate Church who are responsible for the annual stipends of £10 and £5 to be paid to the Master and Usher respectively. William Plesyngton is named as Master and Richard Wulstencroft as Usher. Vacancies must be filled within 2 months by Hugh Oldom, Thomas Longley, Hugh Bexwyke, Ralph Hulme and Robert Clyff, or else by John, Abbot of St Mary’s, or their successors.
Both Master and Usher must attend divine service in the choir. Every Wednesday and Friday, the Master Usher and scholars must go in procession before the Warden of the Collegiate Church round the churchyard or within the church. The Master and Usher may not be dismissed except for incontinence or incompetence. The Warden and Fellows of the Coll. Church Covenant to celebrate an annual service for the souls of Roger Oldom, Marjory his wife, Master Bernard Oldom, Richard Bexwik, William Galey, Robert Bexwik, Robert Chetham and William Bradford, chaplain, all deceased, and for Hugh Oldom, Robert Clyff, Anthony Fitzherbert, Thomas Longley, Hugh Bexwik, Joan Bexwik, widow, Isabel Chetham, widow, Ralph Hulme, and Eliz. his wife, Robert Laborer, Isabel, his wife, Edward Becke, Isabel his consort, Stephen Hulme, Richard Hunte and Margaret his wife, Roger Bekwik and Margaret his wife and Alexander Bexwik when they are dead. The Warden and Fellows of the Collegiate church are to be bound in 100s to fulfil their duties
Rachel Kneale
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