CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS
of Hastings are numerous, and the greater number of those dependent on voluntary contributions are well supported. There are four ENDOWED SCHOOLS in the town ; two for boys and two for young children. One for boys was founded by the Rev. William Parker, who by his will, bearing date Nov. 16th, 1619, gave upwards of 100 acres of land, in the parish of Ore, for the maintenance of a school-master. The number of scholars varies from 125 to 150, and are admitted at the age of from six to eight inclusive. It is required that the master teach the art of navigation. The other three schools were founded by Mr. James Saunders, his will bearing date January 9th, 1708, leaving the rents of his estates in Wittersham to the putting apprentice yearly of two poor boys of the parishes of St. Clements and All Saints, and for the maintenance of two schoolmistresses, each of them to instruct thirty children under six years of age; also for the maintenance of a schoolmaster, whose scholars are limited to seventy, and to be sons of inhabitants residing within the limits of the "Sea gate, next the fish-market, as far as the west fort." The scholars enter from the age of six to twelve inclusive, and are allowed to remain seven years. Navigation and Latin are taught. The above-named charities are under the management of trustees appointed by the Court of Chancery.
The commissioners for public charities have included in their parliamentary returns, an interesting report of still unsettled proceedings in Chancery, relating to an estate on the Priory farm, in the possession of Mr. Milward or his representatives, which, as is alleged, is given by will for the endowment of a free school. The farm consists of 192 acres, the fourth of which was given by the will of Richard -
