The English grammar schools to 1660 : their curriculum and practice. / Includes bibliographical references and index.

  • Foster Watson
Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The English grammar schools to 1660 : their curriculum and practice. / Includes bibliographical references and index. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    Cranmer's edition of the Bible followed in 1540. Between that date and 1547, the death of King Henry VIII, the parish churches were undoubtedly becoming equipped with 'the largest volume' of the English Bible. The activity of issues of the Scriptures was even more remarkable in Edward VI's reign. In his six and a half years' reign, as many as thirty-five different issues of the New Testament were published and fourteen of the whole Bible. As yet there is only one indication of the entrance of the Bible into the schoolroom. This instance, however, is so important that the article of the Injunction which informs it must be quoted in full: Injunctions of Commissioners of 1547 to Winchester College. ' From henceforth the Bible shall be daily read in English, distinctly and apertly, in the midst of the Hall, above the hearth where the Fire is made both at Dinner and Supper. ' That as well all the scholars and other coming to the School, being able to buy the New Testament in English and Latin, shall provide for the same betwixt this and Christmas next coming, to the intent that they may every Sunday and other Holy Day exercise themselves holie in reading thereof; setting apart all other exercises of profane authors, and that the warden and schoolmaster or such as the warden in his absence shall appoint shall diligently from time to time examine them of their exercise in this behalf. That the warden and in his absence such one as he shall appoint, shall henceforth every Sunday and Holy day, not being principal, or octaves of principal, immediately after Dinner read unto the scholars of this school some part of the Proverbs of Solomon, for the space of one hour, [after] which book indeed, he or his sufficient deputy shall begin the Book of Ecclesiastes, which also ended, they shall begin then again the said Proverbs : and so continue: the said Lecture to begin on this side Christmas next, viz., anno Domini 1547. ' Whereas four Bibles be appointed by the King's Highness' Injunctions to lie in the Choir and Body of the Church, it shall be lawful for the scholars to carry and occupy one of the said Bibles to and in the Hall and another of them in the school, so that they render them to the Church and choir afterwards. 'The Warden and schoolmaster in all lectures and lessons of profane authors shall confute and repeal by allegation of scriptures, all such sentences and opinions as seem contrary to the word of God and Ciiristian r<.eligion.'