Introduction

Jane Mary Sercombe was the head Schoolmistress at Hardington from 1873 to 1911. Born and raised in Exeter, she was the daughter of a tailor and attended Salisbury Training College. After her retirement in 1911, she lived in Yeovil and later moved to Bournemouth. Her husband, George, worked as a printing engineer for the Western Gazette Company.

Early life in Exeter

Jane was born at Alphington Street, Exeter, on 7 February 1852. Her father, Thomas, was a tailor.[1]

Jane’s mother died on 7 May 1860 of “(Supposed) Apoplexy. Not Certified,” aged 32.[2] 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.[3]

Life at Hardington

On Christmas Day 1875, Jane married George Sercombe, a printing engineer from Exeter, at St Peter’s, West Hackney. George joined Jane 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.^[4]

Retirement

After retiring, Jane and her husband moved to Yeovil, where they bought a house in Hill Grove Avenue, which they named Mandeville.[5] 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.[6]

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.[7] 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.[8]

Children

George and Jane had three children:

1876- William George;

1879- Ernest James;

1884-Hyacinth May.

References

[1] Birth certificate. Her parents registered her birth under the name “Mary Jane,” but she used the name “Jane Mary.”

[2] Death certificate.

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

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

[5] 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.

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

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

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