The man who helped name a Laindon school has unearthed details of yet another leading educational light.

The amalgamation of the Laindon and Nicholas schools lead to an appeal by governors for an appropriate name.

Danny Lovey, of Ross Way, Langdon Hills, took to the history books and came up with a number of suggestions linked to Laindon's past.

James Hornsby, Mr Lovey discovered, was a schoolmaster of Basildon's first school. In around 1837 Puckle's School was housed in a timber annex at the west end of St Nicholas Church.

It taught 20 pupils reading, writing and arithmetic free of charge. James Hornsby was the last schoolmaster who taught there for 48 years.

It was decided his name was most appropriate for the new school, in High Road, Laindon.

Now his tombstone has also been found in the graveyard of St Nicholas Church, Laindon.

However, Mr Lovey, who has been bitten by the history bug, has continued his search into the past history of education in the town.

He said: "During my research I have discovered another, and as far as I know generally unrecognised, pioneer of education in Basildon - James Matthews. "

Mr Love also found his tombstone as he searched St Nicholas' churchyard.

It reads: "To the memory of James Matthews who held the office of parish clerk of Laindon for 27 years and that of schoolmaster of the same parish 31 years and by his conscientious discharge of the duties of those stations as well as by his general conduct of an honest man and a sincere Christian this stone was erected at the expense of the rector and land holders of the said parish as a proof of their regard. He died on December the 27th 1809 aged 64 years."

Historian - Danny Lovey with the graves in St Nicholas' church

Picture: NICK ANSELL

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