Dewhurst St Mary CofE Primary School

The Robert Dewhurst School Foundation was created in an indenture dated 31st December 1642 by which Robert Dewhurst handed over the school he had previously established for poor boys of the parish and its endowing property to the first body of twelve trustees. At least from the end of the 16th century, the Dewhurst family has ties to the Cheshunt parish. Robert's father, Barnard Dewhurst, served as William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, England's Lord High Treasurer, during the reign of Elizabeth I. Robert, who was from Wormley, was destined to pursue a legal profession and attain some notoriety because, at the time of his passing, he was the keeper of the Briefs in the Kings Bench. Robert had three spouses but no children despite this; yet, his generosity through his school has benefited many generations of kids. The first school structure is still standing. It had a sizable schoolroom and lodging for the Master and his family around 1640. The Trustees might utilise a room as well. The current school now uses this structure as its dining hall. Built in 1873 and expanded in 1913, St. Mary's School. The current Dewhurst St Mary Church of England Primary School was founded in 1958 when Dewhurst and St Marys merged. I would like to thank Dennis Cracknell, the Robert Dewhurst Foundation's clerk.