News

We need your memories of the Old Grammar School

23 May 2013

Designers working on the refurbishment of Coventry’s Grade I listed ‘Old Grammar School’ are today appealing for Coventrians to share their memories of the building, with a view to preserving their stories as part of the redevelopment work.

When the Old Grammar School re-opens to the public in 2015, following a refurbishment as part of the Coventry Transport Museum redevelopment, the building will contain a number of displays exploring its fascinating history.

Since it was built in the 12th century as part of a monastery, the Old Grammar School building has survived destruction by Henry VIII, been used as a school for boys, and during the 20th century was an integral part of community life in Coventry, being home to numerous clubs and societies, before eventually falling into disuse in the 1980s.
Designers are now working with Grammar School Trustees and Transport Museum staff, to piece together this history and make it available for visitors to explore in the future - and personal stories from Coventrians are set to form a key part of these displays.

Gary Hall, Chief Executive of Coventry Transport Museum said:
“This medieval building has had an amazing past and we are so privileged to be in a position to bring it back to life for visitors to enjoy once more. We know that this building holds a very special place in the hearts of many Coventrians, and as such we are keen to preserve and recount the stories of real people who have enjoyed memorable times within its walls.

“Whilst it is unlikely that there will be anyone still in Coventry who remembers what happened to the building during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, we are hoping to hear from anyone who recalls taking part in activities, clubs or societies within the Grammar School, in more recent times. The intention is to collect as many stories as possible on our Coventry Memories website, and then to use a number of those to form part of displays within the building itself, when it re-opens in 2015.”

If you have a memory that you would like to share, you can add it to the Coventry Memories website now: www.coventrymemories.co.uk.

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