This was the earliest known case of grammar school foundation by a lay person, independent of the church; the first by a woman; and the first of its kind in which tuition was offered free to all who entered. The pioneering sprit behind this venture, Katharine, the Dowager Lady Berkeley, widow of the third Lord Thomas, lived in troubled times. England was being drained financially and in terms of morales by the Hundred years' War, at that time around half way through its tortuous course, and the Black Death was raging. Indeed, three of Katharine's four sons died in early childhood, though the causes are not known. The only survivor was the last, John, who was born in Wotton rather than Berkeley.
For more information follow this link!