CHILDREN from a Wellington Primary School took the time to delve into their school’s history during a trip to the museum.

The school council from St John’s CofE Primary School visited Wellington Museum on Wednesday, November 16.

Among the exhibits on show was a letter sent from the Duke of Wellington in 1850 when he donated funds to build the school.

The museum’s curator Colin Spackman gathered the 12 children to teach them the story of how the primary school came to be.

Year 3 teacher Hayley Thorpe said everyone had enjoyed the trip and learning more about the school’s history.

“The children who visited the museum were fascinated by the story and were extremely polite and well-behaved.

“They were a credit to their school,” she said.

It is believed that in 1850, Arthur Wellington donated £50 to the school and wrote a letter to Reverend WW Pulman, who was vicar of St John’s Church at the time.

The letter was held at the school but was passed on to the Somerset Heritage Centre in Taunton in order to preserve it in the best way possible.

The letter was recently presented to Wellington Museum Society so it could be copied for a display. The letter appears to say: “Sir, In reply to your letter of the 4th I have pleasure in subscribing 50£ which I send for the building of your Parish School.

“I have the honour to be Sir your obedient humble servant.

“Arthur Wellington.”