Monument record MDO47888 - Sherborne School, Sherborne

Possibly founded during the 8th century as a Cathedral school, refounded in 1550, and expanded in 1855 by the then Headmaster the Rev H B Harper.

[There is no accurate information relating to the early history of Sherborne School, whilst it is stated by the writer that it was possibly established as a Cathedral school in the 8th century, <1>; a later authority stating that until 1550 the history was tradition and conjecture <3>. It would appear that there was some kind of scholastic establishment prior to the 16th century, but the references were too vague for possible identification and could not, therefore, be related to the "late established facts" of Sherborne School proper.] Old schoolhouse. The School was re-founded by a charter of Edward II in 1550. <5> There is no evidence to show the site of the school prior to 1608 other than it was "housed in the disused monastery precincts" <3> [applies to Sherborne Abbey after the Dissolution.] The schoolhouse was built/rebuilt, in 1608, restored in 1670 and again, extensively, in 1886. The south wall has two restored 4-light 17th century windows, the doorway has a 4-centred arch in a square head, with a much-restored panel holding the arms of Edward II and a chromogram. <5> The building continued as a schoolroom until 1853, and was at the time of writing in 1902 a schoolhouse building. <1> The Old School is of two parts. The southern part of 1608 is now the School Dining Room. It is in good condition with mullioned and transomed windows. The northern part bears a stone with a legend "J WHATCOMBE YE ELDER 1670", apparently the date of a restoration. This building has mullioned windows. Both have roofs of stone slates. <6> The school expanded during the second half of the 19th century when Rev. H B Harper became headmaster. Most of the old buildings were remodelled in Elizabethan and Perpendicular style. Some of the buildings, however, do retain some medieval features and have been listed either Grade 1 or 2*, these include the Library, Chapel and Hall. <8>

Record last edited

Mar 20 2024 3:01PM