5
The Old Grammar School
Today this building is the library and youth centre but its origins go back much further – to 1577 in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. A number of local dignitaries founded a grammar school. A ‘grammar’ school was supposed to teach literacy, mathematics, Latin and Greek.
The Students
In 1816 it was reported that only 5 or 6 boys attended the school and they were ‘indifferently taught’. Schooling was not free then so many households would not have been able (or willing) to afford it. The school became a Board School (a state school) in 1870 and a Boy’s
Elementary School in 1902. This is reflected in a number of changes to the building.
Building Changes
The oldest part is just beyond the modern entrance and dates from 1816 although little of the original can be seen. The rendered building to the left is the Master’s house and the gabled room and bell were added in 1903/4.
This picture from the early 1900s gives a better idea: In 1940 Huntcliff School was opened and the building became the canteen for the school.
