Monument record MDO19003 - Dorchester Grammar School, South Street, Dorchester

It appears probable that the stone placed over the present Grammar School bearing the date 1569 originally belonged to the second school built by the townsmen ten years before Mr Hardy's foundation. Both the Trinity old school and the free Grammar School perished in the great fire of 1613 and were rebuilt, the latter in 1618, the former in 1623. <1>

A second school was re-founded by the corporation about 1623, having existed prior to the establishment of the Grammar School and intended as a subordinate institution. <2>

In spite of its long history, there are in existence practically no records of the Dorchester Grammar Schools endowed in 1579 by Mr Thomas Hardy (2). Built 1567, rebuilt 1618. <4>

The entire building has been completely rebuilt in the 1800's and the front completely rebuilt in the 1800s and the front completely changed, according to an old print I have of the building <6.1>. A three storeyed stone building masked in the main by very modern buildings. It is built in Tudor style with probably one original window in the west face and not in situ. Occupied as commercial offices. No datestone was found. <6>

<1> 1832, Penny Encyclopedia 9, 87 (Serial). SDO20252.

<2> Lewis, S (ed), 1833, Topographical Dictionary of England 2nd edition, 58 (Monograph). SDO19850.

<3> Ordnance Survey, c.1880, Ordnance Survey 25-inch map epoch one (Map). SDO18132.

(SY 69249046) Grammar School (1569) (NAT)

<4> Oliver, Vere L, 1921, Tudor Houses in Dorset, and the Contemporary Life within them; Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 41, 55-91 (Article in serial). SDO20251.

<5> 1933, Notes and queries for Somerset and Dorset: Vol 21, 121 (Article in serial). SWX1149.

<6> Rigg, J, Field Investigators Comments JR, F1 JR 19-AUG-54 (Unpublished document). SWX1255.

<6.1> Mr Jackman, Oral: Mr Jackman (local historian), High East Street, Dorchester (Verbal communication). SDO19851.

<7> National Record of the Historic Environment, 453289 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:35PM