IRELAND.

The Charter of King Charles 11. [of 26 March 1669] impowering Erasmus Smith Esq; to erect Grammar Schools in the Kingdom of Ireland, and to Endow the same with Convenient Maintenance for Schoolmasters. And to make Further Provision for Education of Children at the University. And for several; other Charitable Uses. Together with an Act of Parliament, for the further Application of the [rents and profits of the lands formerly given by Erasmus Smith . to charitable uses] of the said Charity. Printed by the Order of the Trustees.

      Dublin: Printed by Samuel Fairbrother, Bookseller, in Skinner-Row, opposite the Tholsel, 1724. - 2 parts in one, First Edition, the "Charter" text ends with "Finis." on p.32, the "Act" title-page follows, and the text ends on p.52., the pagination and signatures are continuous, closed tear in D1, text very slightly stained, 52 pp., later marbled wrappers. Erasmus Smith was born in Leicestershire in 1611. An alderman of the City of London, he became an army contractor in 1650 at the height of the Cromwellian wars (1649-53) in both Scotland and Ireland. Like many others like him, Smith was awarded land in Ireland under the Settlement of Ireland Act of 1653. He expanded his holdings and eventually held estates in counties Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Sligo, Louth, Westmeath and Dublin. Unlike his counterparts who exploited the native population, Smith was driven by his Christian ideals and the belief that ignorance made the Irish unruly. It was with these motives that in 1669 he founded The Erasmus Smith Trust, confirmed by Charter of Charles II, which appointed, "governors of the schools founded by Erasmus Smith Esq".According to the Erasmus Smith Archive in Dublin, the Charter states that there should be 32 Governors, including several bishops and archbishops and the Provost of Trinity College Dublin. Their task was to use the money raised from the estates to establish five grammar schools and schools for the children of tenants of the estates. Revenue was also put to other charitable uses including scholarships to Trinity College Dublin. Grammar schools were established in Tipperary, Galway, Drogheda and Ennis. In addition to the children of tenants on Smith's estates, 20 poor children could also be admitted. Catholics were encouraged to attend these schools but were required to receive instruction in the Doctrines of the Established Faith. The students were taught Latin, Greek and French grammar as well as algebra, arithmetic and literature. The children of the poor tenants were provided with at least the rudiments of reading, writing and counting. The scope of the trust was extended in 1723 and over 200 "English Schools" were developed in the 32 counties. Goldsmith, 6336: 3 copies only in North America. [Attributes: First Edition; Soft Cover]