A SHORT history of Burnsall School has been captured in paperback to commemorate its 400th anniversary.

Local men Alan Stockdale and John Townend have compiled the 100-page book, which includes both old and recent photographs.

It takes the reader through the life of the school's founder, Sir William Craven - described as the Dales' own Dick Whittington. He was born in Appletreewick, but moved to London and became Lord Mayor.

From the Sir William era, the book continues to chart the school's dramatic changes to the present day.

The two men have unearthed many fascinating facts, but for Mr Stockdale, a past pupil of the school, it has been as much a labour of love as a delve into the past.

His father was educated at the school as were his four sons.

Over the years Mr Stockdale has amassed a unique collection of picture postcards depicting local scenes, some of which have been included in the book.

Mr Townend is a relative newcomer to the area, but has a long pedigree in education. This, coupled with his fascination for the historical significance of the school building, made him an ideal partner in writing the book.

A trustee of the school, Mr Townend was headteacher of the Princess Margaret Royal Free School, in Windsor, and a tutor at Reading University. From there he moved to become an Ofsted inspector and now lives in Thorpe.

"Alan provided much of the local knowledge and we were able to gather all the information and put the book together in around six months," said Mr Townend.

One thing many people will not know is that the original school was built as a boys' grammar school. The headmaster was paid £20 per year for the privilege of teaching local boys, who in turn had to pay sixpence for the privilege of being taught.

However, although it was turned into an elementary school for girls and boys in 1876, and then a primary school for the area in 1944, the bank account name was never altered and cheques still have to be made out to Burnsall Grammar School.

The book also reveals Sir William's original statutes, which survive written on parchment in the North Yorkshire Record Office.

These statutes required 25 witnesses and contain laws which would not be tolerated today. One such ruling was that there would be only one schoolmaster, who must be unmarried and without children.

He would be paid £5 per quarter and could not hold any other occupation. If he wished to resign he had to give 12 months' notice.

The school day would be between 6am and 6pm Monday to Saturday from March to the end of September. Through the winter months the school day was condensed to 7am to 5pm.

In addition to historical facts, the book presents a human touch with articles written about the primary school's teachers over the past 58 years.

There is an epilogue written by Gale Downs who retired last year as head.

In addition, the book has a foreword written by Teresa Maria, Countess of Craven, a descendant of Sir William. She recognises the value of the school her ancestor founded.

Four hundred copies of the book have been printed initially. They can be obtained at a cost of £6 each from the school, from Mr Stockdale on 01756 720612, Mr Townend on 01756 720460, or any of the trustees and governors.

Make cheques payable to Burnsall Grammar School, but add 60p if copies are to be posted.

The proceeds of the book are to go towards the new extension.

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