This year the annual summer fete in July at Gorsley Goffs Primary School, near Ross-on-Wye, will have an added dimension as the school is marking its 200th anniversary with an exhibition featuring pupils past and present.

The unusual name of this village school honours its founder, Edward Goff, who left money in his will to help establish schools across several counties when he died in 1813. The school at Gorsley opened in 1819 and was one of 32 Goff’s Schools, now it is the only one remaining.

Edward Goff was born in Huntingdon in Herefordshire in 1738. At 25 years of age the illegitimate and illiterate farm labourer left Herefordshire to improve his life opportunities in London.

He walked the 138 miles from Huntingdon to London. Being physically strong and having strong Christian values he soon found employment as a coal heaver. Goff’s honesty and integrity, together with his compassionate nature, commended itself to his employers. With help from his employers he started his own coal business. Soon this new venture became a very profitable business.

When he died he left instructions in his will that a major portion of his estate should be left in trust to establish schools and chapels for the poor in Shropshire, Herefordshire and neighbouring counties. The Goff charity founded 32 village schools.

In June, 1965, The Local Education Authority and the Goff’s Charity Trustees agreed that the premises should be used rent free by the Local Education Authority. The Local Education Authority then took on the responsibility of maintaining the buildings.