Monument record 723/2 - Sir John Deane's Grammar School

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Summary

Sir John Deane's Grammar School was originally Witton Grammar School. It was founded in 1557 by John Deane, Priest of St Bartholomew the Great, Smith-field. He endowed it with land in Chester and Cheshire and a salthouse in Northwich. Deane appointed 12 trustees to pay school master's salary. The pupils at the school were at least 6 years old and paid a 4d entrance fee. Under its early masters, school became notorious for Puritanism. By the 17th century the school had accumulated much capital with gifts and bequests from local inhabitants. Standards declined and the school closed in 1836. It reopened in 1857 as Witton Fee School and in 1907 was re-formed as Sir John Deane's School. The first school building was erected in 1558 near Witton Chapel. It has a slate roof and wattle and daub walls. This was taken down in 1744. The master's house was a separate thatched building which was replaced by a two story house in the 17th century. The second school building was put up in 1747 near the chapel but was demolished in 1869.

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Full Description

Sir John Deane's Grammar School, originally Witton Grammar School. Founded 1557 by John Deane, Priest of St Bartholomew the Great, Smith- field. He endowed it with land in Chester & Cheshire & salthouse in Northwich. Deane appointed 12 trustees to pay school master's salary of 12 pa. Pupils were at least 6 yrs old & subject to 4d entrance fee. Under its early masters, school became notorious for puritanism. C17, school accumulated much capital & gained gifts & bequests from local inhabitants. Standards declined between Restoratn & mid C18 & school closed 1836. Reopened 1857 as Witton Fee School & 1907 re- formed as Sir John Deane's School. lst school blg erected 1558 nr Witton Chapel, with slate roof, wattle & duab walls. Continued til c.1744 when, having become 'quite ruinous', taken down. Beside it stood master's chamber', separate blg with thatched roof. Replaced by 2 storey house mid C17. 2nd school blg put up 1747 nr E end of chapel on S side facing churchyard. Demolished 1869 (1).


<1> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 3/244-247 Harris B 1980 (Book). SCH3556.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Book: Harris, B.E. (ed). 1987. Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I. 3/244-247 Harris B 1980.

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Location

Grid reference SJ 664 738 (point) 8 Figure Ref
Map sheet SJ67SE
Civil Parish NORTHWICH, VALE ROYAL, CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER
Historic Township/Parish/County WITTON CUM TWAMBROOKS, GREAT BUDWORTH, CHESHIRE

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  • None recorded

Record last edited

Jun 18 2024 4:53PM