On their marriage in 1621, Sir Edward and Lady Margaret Hungerford chose to live in Corsham House (now Corsham Court). In 1665 Lady Margaret bought 4 acres of land at her gate. On this site she built a large schoolroom and the Master’s house together with six Almshouses, for the poor and needy.
Constructed according to Lady Margaret’s instructions, the site offers a prime example of 17th Century social provision. Her 45 ordinances throw light on the way of life of the poor some 350 years ago. Failure to obey these rules would have led to expulsion.
Today, the building stands almost exactly as it was built, with its ornate carvings and built-in furniture still intact. The schoolroom benches and pulpit are unaltered. You can even spot carved graffiti left by the naughty schoolboys and stand on the balcony and imagine the sound of daily prayers and sermons.
