Sir Henry Fermor's Charity School

Sir Henry Fermor's Charity School, Crowborough, Sussex, silver cliché badge, mid-18th century, coat of arms of Fermor, 51mm. Good very fine, toned and with 5 minute piercings for attachment. Sir Henry Fermor, Bt (1667-1734), left money in his Will to build a Church and Charity School, for "for the benefit of the 'very ignorant and heathenish people" and "in the plainest and cheapest manner, so as it be strong and lasting". Further money was set aside for the land and for books and clothing, etc. The school was limited to 40 boys providing 4 years of education from the age of 7, and they would have worn these badges on their uniform. The school, somewhat changed, still flourishes.