Save the Old Qegs Grammar School Page
The following is a letter sent to the Ashbourne Web Site from Richard Harrison
Patrons: Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Mr Lionel V Pickering, Chairman, Derby County Football Club
3 Willow Green, Needingworth, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE17 3SW
tel 01733 363671(Office), 01480 465885 (Home)
"..from henceforth there be and shall be one Grammar School in Ashborne aforesaid for the education institution and instruction of the Boys and Youth in Grammar and other good learning to continue for ever.."
The above is an extract from the translation of the original Charter setting up the administration of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Ashbourne, in 1585.
You may be aware that the original, Grade 1 Listed, building, in Church Street, has been purchased, at auction, by a property developer, with the intention of converting it into three dwellings.
A group of us, comprising Old Ashburnians, Ashbourne Heritage Society members and other interested parties, have come together, to act, to acquire the Old Grammar School for the people and businesses of Ashbourne and the surrounding area. We strongly feel that the building, which is architecturally of national importance and historically of great significance to the town, should have a secure and permanent future and be available to the community.
A plan is being prepared, through a Charitable Trust, to purchase, conserve and secure a financially viable future for the building and garden. A variety of relevant organisations are being approached in the hope that they may assist us in raising the asking price of £360,000. We are also in discussion with the Youth Hostel Association who have expressed an interest.
We will be looking for as many offers of support as possible. It may be financial, professional expertise, fund raising, other useful contacts, ideas for the use of building in the future or passing on this information to any one you know that you feel could be interested in our project.
Donations should be made payable to "The Ashbourne Old Grammar School", an account with
Lloyds TSB, Ashbourne, and forwarded to me.
We would appreciate any support that you feel you may be able to offer.
Yours sincerely
Richard Harrison
Old Ashburnian