Royal Grammar School Guildford

The Royal Grammar School: Grade I listed building dating from the late 16th century with later additions. The Chained Library and Tudor schoolroom are open. Information relating to the history of the School is on display in the schoolroom.

The Royal Grammar School in Guildford, founded in 1509 by Robert Beckingham, is one of the earliest grammar schools in the country. At the top of the High Street, the Grade I listed Tudor building, dating from the late 16th century, is an iconic landmark of Guildford and remains in regular use as part of the students’ daily life. The Tudor building was built originally containing not only classrooms, but accommodation for both the Headmaster and the Usher.

One of the School’s most historic parts is the Chained Library, which is still in use to this day as the Headmaster’s Study. The library contains a fascinating collection of early printed books, including one with the printer’s mark of William Caxton, printed by Wynkyn de Worde in 1516, who inherited Caxton’s printing equipment. Other notable works include “the most parte of all my Latten books whereof shall be made a catalogue…” gifted to the School in the will of John Parkhurst, Bishop of Norwich from 1560-75. Most of the books that were given to the School were housed in the newly-completed gallery, expanded by Arthur Onslow in 1650, where they still remain.

Event Times

Saturday 9 September: 09:00 - 16:00 - no tour between 13:00 - 14:00

Booking Details

Pre-booking: Book on day
Main site is free to explore (areas that are open) and talk must be pre-booked in the Courtyard

Access

Rooms situated up two flights of stairs

Additional Information

Max 15 people per tour/session. Chained Library talk - 30 minutes No photography permitted throughout the day Contact for the day: No contact number available - site stewarded between 09.00 and 16.00 on Saturday 09 September only

Event organiser is Heritage Open Days.