Lord Palmerston Lodge

Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, inherited the title 'Lord of the Manor of Fairburn' in 1802 and he gave the village a cottage on his estate.
"It has not been determined whether the building known locally now as 'Old School House' was actually purpose built or not, but certainly from 1837 and most probably before this, it was in use continuously as a school up to 1882 when the present school premises were occupied".

However, most of Palmerston's dealings with the village were carried out by his land agent Samuel Arundel who was in a unique position of power in his relationship with the villagers of the time, as to decisions relating to school, religion and work were taken.

"Palmerston died in 1865 and was mourned by many in Fairburn. From a letter of condolence to his widow some idea of his influence in the village can be gleaned:-
Fairburn October 23rd 1865.

To the Right Honourable Viscountess Palmerston.
Madam,

In these early days of your deep affliction,we the undersigned, fear that we may be intruding upon your sorrow, but we are unwilling to delay the expression of our heartfelt sympathy under the loss of one who to you was most dear, to his country invaluable and to us the object of respectful but sincere regard. We have affectionate remembrance of him as a Landlord, as a friend of education and as a supporter of our charities. When sickness not very long ago was pressing heavily upon us, he came to our assistance with a prompt and liberal hand and one of his last aids was to commence such sustained in the death of a truly great man who has been !axon from us; we beg to sign ourselves with every feeling of respect.

Your Ladyships Obedient Servants.
Jas. B. Landon M.A.
Vicar
John Allright William Roberts
William Bradley Thomas Etherington
!Award Simpson D.J. Padons
William Tindall Thomas Spink
Joseph Bramley John Rhodes
William Booth Thomas Makin