Royal Grammar School Guildford

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.

Along with books on astronomy, scientific research and method, and maps of discovery and exploration, this is an extraordinary collection of influential works of literature, held in one of the very few remaining Chained Libraries in England.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:

0900-1600

Location & directions

High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3BB

Directions:

Situated towards the top of the High Street

Contact on day:

No contact number available - site stewarded between 09.00 and 16.00 on Saturday 14 September only

Telephone number:

+441483880608

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Book on day

Booking conditions:

Book in the courtyard with one of the stewards The School Room has static displays of the history of the School Talks in the Chained Library every 30 minutes from 0930-1600 No talk between 1230 and 1330

Accessibility details

Rooms situated up two flights of stairs

Additional information

No photography permitted throughout the day

Max no of people per tour:

15

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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