History society’s May talk to investigate Bishop William - ‘The Godfather of Bishop’s Stortford’
“Bishop William - The Godfather of Bishop’s Stortford” is the subject of the May lecture for the town’s history society.
On Thursday May 15, Dr Mike James will present his research on the Norman cleric and Waytemore Castle, now just a grade I listed mound and masonry in Castle Park.
In about 1080, a Norman motte-and-bailey castle was constructed in the Stort river valley. Bishop’s Stortford was insignificant then compared to its more prosperous neighbours, yet Waytemore Castle remained active for over five centuries, unlike the many hundreds of its medieval contemporaries.
Dr James will answer key questions: “Why was its location special? How was it built? What was it for?”
The meeting is also Bishop’s Stortford History Society’s annual general meeting. The group has organised a guided tour of Hatfield Forest on Saturday May 17 to mark the end of its 2024-25 programme. Places are limited and need to be reserved. Email bshschair@btinternet.com for more details.
Last month, Tony Tuckwell, former head of Chelmsford’s King Edward VI Grammar School, lectured on “Tudor Education in Essex”.
Chair Tim Howard-Smith writes: “He started by laying the scene in the years before the Reformation, when cathedral and chantry schools as well as a few grammar schools were the main means of acquiring an education.
“The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and later the dissolution of the chantries under Edward VI in 1547 led to Edward founding many new grammar schools in his name.
“In Chelmsford, a chantry school had existed for many years, and apart from saying prayers for the wealthy deceased citizens of Chelmsford and educating the sons of the town, some charitable relief for the poor was available.
“In 1551, a free grammar school was founded by Edward in Chelmsford. Under Edward, 29 new grammar schools were created, as well as 15 re-founded chantry schools in England. This progressed until 1660, when there were 1,320 grammar schools in the country.
“Chelmsford had four governors at its foundation, and relief for the poor continued to be given.
“The governors came from the extreme side of Protestantism. The headmaster, an ordained priest, was appointed by the governors, and this continued to be the case until the 19th century.
“The school, however, despite its endowed status from 1551, fell into decline from 1660 until 1868. In 1869, the Endowed Schools Act was passed, its fortunes subsequently improved and in 1892 it moved to its current location.”
Bishop’s Stortford History Society was formed in 1955. From September to May, meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Windhill Churches Centre, Windhill, and begin at 7.30pm. Annual membership costs £15. Non-members are welcome to all meetings for a £5 fee, payable at the door. For more details, see www.bishopsstortfordhistorysociety.org.uk.
