Education/Parish clerk

[Barmaid]

This is really two questions in one! My ancestor came from the normal "ag lab" background in quite a rural area. Surprisingly though he could write his name (in a reasonably good hand) and by the early 19th Century when he was in his early 20s was noted as a parish clerk. So my two questions are when did compulsary education start and what would have been the role of a parish clerk in those days? Thanks!

[dot.hawkes]

Most agricultural laboures when required would make their mark including in any official documents or register. If any ag. lab. acquired writing skills it likely meant they attended a Sunday School and where taught basic handwriting if not reading.
A Parish Clerk would likely perform very basic administration duties for the local vestry committee creating minutes for the Church Wardens Meeting and keeping written accounts for the Church Warden and poor rate distribution as well as the overseers of the poor.

[Barmaid]

Thanks Dot. Once again good advice. Can we rename this section "Dot's Place"?!