The History of Temple Guiting C of E School
Temple Guiting C of E School has been at the heart of our village community for over 150 years, with a rich history dating back to 1871.
How Our School Began
On 5th July 1871, a deed was signed transferring land from the President and Scholars of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, to the Vicar and Churchwarden of St Mary's Church, Temple Guiting. The land was to be used for a school, with the clear purpose of providing "education of children and adults and for no other purpose."
Construction began in 1872, with the school and adjoining schoolhouse built for the grand total of £800! The original school consisted of just two rooms: a schoolroom measuring 39ft by 18ft and a smaller classroom measuring 18ft by 12ft.
On 6th January 1873, Temple Guiting School officially opened its doors as a Public Elementary School, with Miss Mary Drury as its first Headteacher.
On that very first day, 36 children attended school. An entry in the original school logbook, dated 10th January 1873, gives us a fascinating glimpse into what school life was like:
"This morning and afternoon the Reverend Witts examined the children - found them terribly backward in every subject. Many children 12 and 13 years knew something about figures but did not know what a figure was when I wrote one on the blackboard, few children could write or even spell their own names. They had no idea of reading with anything like expression, but read in a most monotonous style and they were very disorderly."
Thankfully, education has come a long way since those early days!
Today, more than 150 years later, our school continues to be a place where children are encouraged to learn, explore and flourish. Although much has changed, our commitment to education and our close links with the village and church remain at the heart of everything we do.
The History of Temple Guiting Village
Temple Guiting in Norman Times
The history of Temple Guiting stretches back much further than the school itself, all the way to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Following his victory, William the Conqueror rewarded his loyal supporters with land across England. Among these lands was Temple Guiting, which was taken from its previous Saxon owner and granted to Roger de Laci, one of William's followers.
At that time, the village was known as Gettinge, a name believed to mean 'gushing', possibly referring to the River Windrush, which flows through the village.
Temple Guiting in the Domesday Book
The Domesday Book of 1086 provides a fascinating insight into life in the village during Norman times.
Records describe a busy rural community, with farmland, villagers, a priest, mills and other resources. The village was recorded as having ten hides of taxable land, twenty-five villeins (tenant farmers), eighteen ploughlands, three mills and salt-related resources.
These details offer a glimpse into how different life would have been for the people living here nearly a thousand years ago.
How Temple Guiting Got Its Name
The village's name is closely linked to the Knights Templar, a medieval religious and military order.
According to local historical accounts, Roger de Laci later lost his lands following a plot against King William II, also known as William Rufus. The manor subsequently passed to his brother Hugh, who was associated with the Knights Templar.
The land eventually became connected with the order, and over time the village became known as Temple Guiting, reflecting its links with the Knights Templar.
Proud of Our Past, Excited for Our Future
From its Norman beginnings to the opening of our school in 1873, Temple Guiting has a wonderful story to tell.
We are proud to be part of this history and to continue welcoming new generations of children and families into our school community.
Our Christian vision, "Everyone to Thrive", reflects our commitment to ensuring every child feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve their very best, as we continue to build on more than 150 years of learning at Temple Guiting C of E School.