Jane Mary Sercombe was the head Schoolmistress at Hardington from 1873 to 1911.

Early life in Exeter

Jane was born at Exeter in late 1851/early 1852, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Godsland. Thomas was a tailor, and the family home was in Alphington Street.

Jane’s mother died in either 1858 or 1860. In 1861, Thomas married Ann Green. In April 1871, Jane lived at home and worked as a monitress.

Jane’s older brother, George, may have emigrated to America.

Training College

Like Thomas Hardy’s sisters, Mary and Kate, Jane attended Salisbury Training College. When she left in 1873, she went immediately to Hardington.[1]

Life at Hardington

On Christmas Day 1875, Jane married George Sercombe at St Peter’s, West Hackney. He was a printing engineer from Exeter. George joined her at Hardington, where they occupied a cottage provided by the school managers.

Jane was an educational pioneer at Hardington, implementing the changes brought about by Forster’s Education Act of 1870. Her dedication significantly improved the quality of education in the village, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Jane retired from teaching in December 1911 after 38 years. The Reverend Cleife presented her with a marble clock, and the schoolchildren gave her a rose bowl.^[2]

Retirement

After retiring, Jane and her husband moved to Yeovil, where they bought a house in Hill Grove Avenue, which they named Mandeville.[3] This house may have been newly built.

George died on 29 April 1932, aged 78, leaving an estate valued at £923-12s-9d, which he bequeathed entirely to his wife.[4]

Jane then spent two years living with her son, Ernest, at Crofton Park, Yeovil, before moving to 6 Alexandra Road, West Southbourne, Bournemouth. During the summer of 1934, she suffered a seizure.[5] She died on 18 April 1935, aged 83. Her body was taken to Yeovil for burial. She left an estate valued at £1,266-10s-10d.[6]

George and Jane had two sons and one daughter.

References

[1] Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 24 April 1935, p.7.

[2] Western Gazette, 29 December 1911 p. 2.

[3] Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 24 April 1935, p.7; the will of George Sercombe, dated 29 December 1899, proved at Taunton on 29 June 1932.

[4] The will of George Sercombe, dated 29 December 1899, proved at Taunton on 29 June 1932.

[5] Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 24 April 1935, p.7.

[6] The will of Jane Mary Sercombe, dated 15 March 1933, proved at Bristol on 31 May 1935.