Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/407

 account of the school, from 1621 to 1663, formerly in the possession of Thomas Martin, esq., of Lincoln's Inn:—

"Isabell Birly, wife of Thomas Birly, born in Kirkham, daughter of John Coulbron, an alehouse keeper all her life, and through that employment attayned to a good personall estait above most in that towne of that calling, being moved with a naturall compassion to pore children shee saw often in that towne, was heard to say dyvers tymes she would doe something for their good, and in the yeare 1621, having gotten a good stock of money in her hands, was moved to put her sayings into action. The 30-men of the parish being assembled at the church, she, with £30 in her apron, came to them, telling them she had brought that money to give it towards the erecting of a free schole for pore children to be taught gratis, whose parents were not able to lay out money for their teaching, wishing them to take it and consider of it. They were the men especially trusted by the parish for the common benefits of the church, and therefore were the most like persons to move their severall townships to contribute every one something towards the accomplishment of so charitable a work, and not doubting that their good examples in their contributions would be a strong motive to excite others. This gift was thankfully accepted, and wrought so with them that every one was forward to promote it, especially Mr. Jno. Parker of Bredkirk, an eminent man in the parish and one of that companie, being at that tyme one of the earl of Derbie's gentlemen and somewhat allied to the said Isabell; he forwarded it very much, sparing neither his paynes of his bodie nor his purse; for that end he travelled all the parish over to every particular towne and house earnestly persuading them to contribute to so good an use. Sir Cuthbert Clifton gave £20, Maister Westby of Moulbreck £10, Mr. Parker £5, Mr. Langtree of Swarbreck £5, Mr. Hesketh of Maines 40s., Mr. Greenacres, vicar of Kirkham, £4, and the several townships in the parish gave as followeth:—Kirkham near £30, but not out; Ribby and Wray £3 8s. 6d.; Westby and Plumpton 16s. 4d.; Weeton £7 2s.; Singleton £1 13s. 6d.; Little Eccleston and Larbrick 4s. 4d.; Greenall and Thistleton £4 16s.; Roseacre £7 2s.; Wharles £1 13s.; Treales £8 4s.; Medlar and Wesham £1 5s.; Hambleton 4s. 6d.; Salwick £3 5s.; Clifton £3 7s.; Newton and Scales £3 5s.; Freckleton £8; Warton £1 8s.; Bryning and Kellamer £4 13s.—in the whole £170 14s."

When the time came for the selection of a suitable person to undertake the charge and education of the pupils, it so happened "that at that instant a young man, an honest, able scholar of good gifts and parts, having a lingering sickness upon him, was come over to Kirkham to Mr. William Armesteed (the curate of Kirkham), his cozen, for change of air, his name being Thomas Armesteed, and he was moved by some of the towne whether he would accept to be schole master if suit were made to the 30-men to elect him; he, in regard to the weakness of his bodie then yielded to the motion, otherwise he was a man well qualified for the ministery and a moving preacher."