Hawkshead Grammar School facts for kids
Hawkshead Grammar School was a famous school located in Hawkshead, a village in Cumbria, England. It was started way back in 1585 by Archbishop Edwin Sandys of York. An Archbishop is a very important religious leader. He asked Queen Elizabeth I for permission to create a group to run the school.
In its early days, the school taught important subjects like Latin, Greek, and sciences, including arithmetic (math) and geometry. Even though the school closed its doors in 1909, the building is still used today. It's now the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, where people can visit and learn about its history. The building is also considered a very important historical site, known as a Grade II* listed building.
Contents
The School's Beginning and Purpose
Hawkshead Grammar School was founded to provide education to boys in the area. In the 16th century, not many people had the chance to go to school, so this was a big deal! Archbishop Sandys wanted to make sure that young people could learn important skills and knowledge. The school's main goal was to prepare students for university or for important jobs in the church or government.
What Students Learned
Students at Hawkshead Grammar School studied a range of subjects that were considered essential for a good education at the time.
- Languages: They learned Latin and Greek, which were important for understanding old texts and for higher education.
- Math and Science: Subjects like arithmetic (basic math) and geometry (the study of shapes and spaces) were taught to help students develop their logical thinking.
- Other Skills: While not explicitly listed, grammar schools often taught writing, rhetoric (the art of speaking and writing effectively), and religious studies.
Famous Students from Hawkshead
Many notable people attended Hawkshead Grammar School over the centuries. These students went on to achieve great things in different fields.
- William Wordsworth: A very famous English poet, known for his beautiful poems about nature. He is one of the most well-known former students.
- Christopher Wordsworth (Trinity): He became a respected scholar and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge.
- Reverend George Walker: A religious leader from the 16th century who was part of the Westminster Assembly, a group that discussed important religious matters.
- Joshua King: A brilliant mathematician who became a professor at Cambridge University.
- Sir James Scarlett, 1st Baron Abinger: A very successful lawyer and politician who became a Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer.
- Sir Frederick Pollock, 3rd Baronet: A famous lawyer and historian.
- Bishop Law: A significant religious figure.
- Daniel Rawlinson: A London wine merchant and father of the famous diarist John Evelyn.
- Thomas Alcock Beck: A local historian.
- Henry Ainslie: A physician.
- Montague Ainslie: A lawyer and local landowner.
- Edward Baines: A journalist and Member of Parliament.
The School Today: A Museum
After closing as a school in 1909, the building was preserved. Today, it operates as the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum. When you visit, you can see the old classrooms, desks, and even some of the original books and teaching materials. It's like stepping back in time to see what school was like hundreds of years ago! The museum helps people understand the history of education and the importance of this school to the local community and beyond.
