NEWS last week that Chester Cathedral has plans to open a school in Abbey Square will bring back memories for alumni of the city’s King’s School, which started life as a ‘free school’ on cathedral grounds.
The school was founded in 1541 by King Henry VIII and was housed in the former monastic refectory of Chester Cathedral until 1869. Known as ‘The Free School’ and ‘The Grammar School’ it was not known as The King’s School until the mid 19th century.
Fast forward to the 20th century and the school is based in the Blomfield building, now home to Barclays Bank, and some lessons and facilities are based in and round Abbey Square.
Alumni officer Elizabeth Gwyther said: “One former old boy remembers throwing snowballs across the square one winter.
“Others have memories of a tuck shop just inside the Abbey gateway on the right, that used to sell Coca-Cola.
“Another old boy remembers meeting The Queen’s School girls in Abbey Square when they were walking home or going to catch the bus. Apparently, this led to long meaningful glances and some playful behaviour!”
Liz added: “Another remembers sliding down the old wooden spiral staircase inside what is now the Barclays Bank building, and being severely reprimanded by one of the masters.”
During the Second World War parts of the cathedral were adapted as air raid shelters, while some of the school’s playing fields were ploughed to produce crops. Pupils contributed toward the war effort in many ways; helping out on local farms, collecting scrap metal, and training as first aid workers.
In 1960 the school moved to its current site on Wrexham Road, opened by Her Majesty The Queen Mother.
