Building record 1689/5/0 - The Old School House

Malpas Grammar School was founded by Sir Randal Brereton in 1528. The school was to be free to all comers and was to offer instruction in classical grammar. The master was to be appointed by Brereton and his heirs and was always to be a graduate in holy orders. The foundation was also a chantry, the master was to act as chantry priest for the souls of Brereton and his family. William Davidson, an alderman and merchant of Chester, settled two salt-houses in Iscoed (Flints) with all his lands, rents and services in Wigland in trust for the school to support Brereton's foundation. In 1697, the school was re-founded by Hugh, Viscount Cholmondeley, who gave 200 'to revive the school'. The original school house was built in 1528 and was rebuilt in late C18. It stood behind the market place (1). The present building dates from 1745 and was formerly the centre piece of Alport School. It is now a dwelling and listed Grade II (2).

<1> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 3/240-241 Harris B 1980 (Book). SCH3556.

<2> Department of the Environment, 1971-2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, /2/64 (Report). SCH1934.

<3> Cordon, M, 1979, Archaeological Implications: Malpas, /8 Cordon M 1979 (Unpublished Report). SCH337.