although specifically incorporated for the education of boys from cumberland and westmorland, as early as 1604 people from outside cumbria were being educated at st. bees in the original schoolroom (now one of the school dining rooms) near the priory church. the school slowly expanded, despite one headmaster who worked his pupils like labourers. the school had enjoyed some financial security for many years, lessened in 1742 when the school sold sir james lowther an eight hundred and sixty-seven year mineral lease for much less than market value.