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Benefactors to the Publick since the Reformation.
Eliz. Hardwick, (whose third Husband was Geo. Earl of Shrewsbury) a Lady of undaunted Spirit founded a stately Alms-house for 12 poor People in Derby. The Queen of Scots having been committed to her Husband the aforesaid Earl, Queen Eliz. ask∣ing the Countess (at Court) how that Queen did, Madam (said she) she cannot do ill while she is with my Husband, and I begin to grow Jealous, they are so great together. Upon which the Queen gave Order that the Queen of Scots should be removed into the Custody of others; and 'tis probable the Earl thought himself well rid of her, whose Custody was both Chargeable and Dangerous to him.
There is a Free-School in Derby built by that Cor∣poration, endowed with 60 pounds a year, in which I believe Mr. Fletcher, (thrice Bayliff of that Town) was very Instrumental. 'Tis a noted Priviledge of that Town, that none of the Townsmen pay Toll at Lond. tho in some cases the Londoners pay Toll at Derby.
Stow relates that divers well disposed Citizens of Lond. desirous (as yet) not to be named,* 1.1 being born in or near to Ashburn in the Peak in the County of Derby, combining their loving Bene∣volence together, have Builded there a Free-School-house, with convenient Lodgings for a Master, and Liberal Maintenance allowed thereto.