The date of foundation is uncertain. VCH, Lancs, 2.561, places it as between 1630 and 1642, but VCH, Lancs., 3, 117, gives the school as in existence in the sixteenth century (which is more consistent with record here). Gastrell c. 1720 not that it was not known who built the school, but that it was repaired at the charge of the parish. All that belonged to the master then was £157, old stock, and £100 given in 1702. The school was then free to all the parish, except those of hale chapelry, which refused to pay for its upkeep. Gastrell, Notitia Cestrienses, II.ii, 167.