Old Grammar School, Coventry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Grammar School |
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The Old Grammar School was the site of King Henry VIII School after 1558.
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| Alternative names | Hospital of St. John the Baptist |
| General information | |
| Address | Hales Street |
| Town or city | Coventry |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Current tenants | Coventry Transport Museum |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 1 |
The Old Grammar School is a very old and important building in Coventry, England. You can find it where Bishop Street and Hales Street meet. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it's one of the most historically important buildings in the country and is protected.
Contents
A Look Back: The School's History
This building has a long and interesting past. It started as a hospital and later became a famous school.
The Beginning: A Hospital for All
The building was first known as the Hospital of St. John. It was founded between 1154 and 1179. This was a place to help people in need. It had staff to run the house and hold church services. It also offered a temporary place to stay for poor travelers. Older or sick local people could find more permanent help here too.
The Tudor Times: A Royal School is Born
Around 1544, the hospital was closed down. King Henry VIII sold the building to a man named John Hales. The King had one important rule: John Hales had to start a Free School in Coventry.
John Hales did just that! A few years later, he moved the school into the old hospital building. This school was named the King Henry VIII School, Coventry after the King himself.
In 1565, Queen Elizabeth I visited Coventry. She came through Bishop Street Gate, right past the school. It was mentioned to her that her father, King Henry VIII, had helped start the school. She even visited the school and gave money to help keep it going!
The Georgian Era: Changes to the Building
In 1794, the street outside the Old Grammar School was made wider. Because of this, the part of the building made of wood and plaster was taken down. The street was then renamed Hales Street. In the same year, the west side of the old church and its bell tower were also removed.
From Victorian Times to Today
The King Henry VIII School, Coventry moved to its current location in Warwick Road in 1885. After the school left, the Old Grammar School building was empty for more than 20 years.
In 2012, exciting plans were announced! The building would become a part of the Coventry Transport Museum. In March 2013, permission was given to restore the Old Grammar School. It would be used for exhibits, education, and events. This project also included taking down a nearby building. A new extension was built to make sure everyone, including those with disabilities, could easily access the Old Grammar School.
The restoration work began on March 31, 2014. It was part of a big £8.5 million project to improve the Coventry Transport Museum. Finally, on July 4, 2015, the Old Grammar School opened its doors to the public once again!
