[Picture: The Market Place] The seals attached to this are those of Frances Conington, James Conington and Benjamin Handley. There is a note in the margin that “James Conington came before me this day, and acknowledged this to be his deed, and prayed the same might be inrolled in His Majesty’s High Court of Chancery. Robert Chapman, Master in Chancery.” Dated 6th March, 1786. The actual terms of Richard Watson’s will are these: “I am very desirous of establishing a small school within the town of Horncastle, wherein the children of such poor persons, as the Governors of the Grammar School shall think objects of charity, may be taught to read, knit, spin, and plain needlework, or sewing. I do therefore hereby earnestly request, will, and direct, my nephew and executor, after my decease, by deed, conveyance (&c.), to convey, and assure, to the said Governors, and their successors, for ever, all the lands situate in Croft, and all those messuages, cottages, or tenements, within the yards and pingle adjoining, situate in Far Street (now called West Street), Horncastle; and also that part of now inclosed arable, meadow, and pasture ground, lying in Wigtoft, containing 6 acres, 28 perches, now in the occupation of my cousin, William Watson, with appurtenances, upon the Trusts following, viz.: (1) to keep the house (school) in good repair, and the residence (2) for the maintenance of a proper master or mistress, to be from time to time nominated by them, to teach such poor children, &c.”