The Chantry Chapel and the First School in Grandborough

The Medieval Chantry

At the east end of the north aisle of St Peter's Church stands an area that was once a Chantry Chapel. On the north wall of the chancel, two arches originally opened into this chapel. Over the centuries the space was altered: the eastern bay was opened up to create what is now the vestry, while the western bay, which once contained a tomb recess, now houses the church organ.

Local tradition suggests that the tomb may have belonged to the founder of the church in Grandborough. The arch from the tomb recess is believed to have been relocated and can now be seen beneath the east window of the chancel.

What Was a Chantry?

Before the Reformation, chantry chapels played an important role in medieval religious life. Priests were paid to celebrate masses for the souls of deceased benefactors, helping them on their journey through purgatory according to the beliefs of the time.

In 1547, during the reign of King Edward VI, chantries were dissolved. Although this ended their religious function, many chantries had also served educational purposes. Priests attached to chantries often taught local children and some former chantry foundations later became grammar schools associated with King Edward VI.

Grandborough's First School

The former chantry at St Peter's found a new purpose in the early nineteenth century. In 1813, the space was enclosed and became the first school in Grandborough.

Initially the school was intended for boys, although girls were later admitted to learn reading and writing. The schoolmaster was John Lawrence, after whom Lawrence Cottage is believed to be named. He taught in the chantry school from 1813 until around 1840, when a new village school was built.

John Lawrence continued teaching the children of Grandborough until his retirement in 1862, giving almost fifty years of service to the village. The later village school remained in use until 1974, when it closed with nineteen pupils on the register.

A doorway once provided direct access from the school into the chantry but was removed when the new school was built around 1840.