Cromwell's School

It was my privilege to visit the old Huntingdon Free School, once an Augustinian Hospital, but later dedicated to the education of the town’s prosperous male youth. Between 1610 and 1616, a young Oliver Cromwell was educated here, by the fierce puritan, Dr Thomas Beard. At the time, young Master Oliver would have barely stood out to his teacher and school mates; a rather rough youth of moderate means and unpromising character. Yet one day, he would govern England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, ruling by godliness and righteous zeal. Beard could hardly have foreseen or anticipated this relatively dull pupil’s future greatness and providential power, but his education served him well. Beard was moulding a future Britain he would never live to see. We who teach the Bible and show Christ to those around us cannot comprehend how such simple lessons can alter not one life, but an entire family, and even a nation.

The old grammar school is now, quite rightly, a museum deducated to its greatest pupil, and the town's noblest son.