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This film is part of Free

Poughill thank Gertrude

Children at Poughill School dress up

Current affairs 1980 1 mins Silent

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Overview

Children at Poughill (pronounced po-il) Primary School in Devon dress up in 18th century costumes to celebrate the life and charity of Gertrude Pyncombe. When Gertrude died in March 1730 or 1731 she left in a will an endowment that set up a permanent charitable trust with properties in many Devonshire and Somersetshire parishes. The purpose was to provide schooling and augment poor clerical earnings through teaching.

Gertrude was a spinster of Welsbeare near Crediton. A monument is dedicated to her honour and is located in the Church of St Michael in Poughill erected by the Trustees in the early 19th century. The charity still operates generating money according to the Charity Commission. The village no longer has a school.