[1] It had a largely rural catchment area in east Radnorshire including the towns and villages of Presteigne, Knighton, Beguildy, New Radnor, Knucklas, Gladestry, Whitton and Norton.

It was founded by John Beddoes, a wealthy woollen manufacturer who provided for the establishment of a Free Grammar School to bring up the youth ... in virtue, discipline and learning.

John Beddoes endowed the school with the rent from “Bell Meadow” to pay the ringer.

He stipulated that should the Curfew cease to be rung then the school should be closed and the financial endowment revert to his heirs.

With financial help from the composer Mike Oldfield the tradition continues today on the John Beddoes Campus.