Stisted

Met up with Messy Church planner tonight, in the delightful village of Stisted. We'll join the church for breakfast in the pews followed by the service on Sunday.

Stisted parish was a peculiar, held by the Dean of Bocking under the Archbishop of Canterbury, until 1845, when it fell under the jurisdiction of Middlesex. In 1895 it became part of the 'see' of Chelmsford. The manor of Stisted also belonged to the monks of Canterbury Cathedral before the reformation.

The school, pictured here, is a wonderful sight. Apparently, education in the village .....

1818
"Population 574. Two charity schools, held on Thursdays and Sundays, one containing 28 boys, and one in which 55 girls are instructed; both supported by voluntary contributions. The poor avail themselves of the means of education which are sufficient, but the minister regrets that from the low state of their finances, they are unable to open the preceding schools every day in the week. "

1833
"Population 895. Three Daily Schools containing as follows: 8 males and 6 females (commenced 1819); 25 males and 22 females (commenced 1825); and 5 males and 3 females (commenced 1832); in these Schools, the children are instructed at the expense of their parents. Two Sunday Schools supported by subscription and attended by 63 males and 62 females."

How education has changed!