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Oldham Grammar School
The Grammar School was built in 1611 as a one-room school. It was situated in a pleasant area across from the church on the other side of the High Street. Oldham at that time was little more than a Pennine village. By the 1860s, due to the unprecedented growth of Oldham as a cotton-town, the school had become surrounded by slums and an abattoir, and was no longer fit for purpose.
Photo taken shortly before demolition in 1921: Oldham Local Studies and Archives.
Oldham Grammar School
This photograph shows the near corner of the building which was rounded in 1847 when Oldham Corporation wanted to widen the road and footpath.
Photo taken shortly before demolition in 1921: Oldham Local Studies and Archives.
Oldham Grammar School
This photograph, taken shortly before demolition in 1921, shows the single-room interior strewn with rubble.
Photo: Oldham Local Studies and Archives.
Oldham Grammar School
Another view of the interior of the building.
Photo: Oldham Local Studies and Archives.
Oldham Grammar School
The original doorway with date stone above.
Photo: Oldham Local Studies and Archives.
Oldham Grammar School
The date stone bears the initials "JA" for James Assheton, and the date of 1611.
Photo: Oldham Local Studies and Archives.
Oldham Grammar School
In 1921 the remains of the old Grammar School building were transported to Hulme Grammar School; the doorway was incorporated into the new Girls' School extension.
Photo: Tom Banister 2011.
Oldham Grammar School
A memorial to the original Grammar School and its benefactor.
Photo: Tom Banister 2011.
Oldham Grammar School
The original mullioned window.
Photo: Oldham Local Studies and Archives.
Oldham Grammar School
Part of this window was incorporated into a stairwell between the first and second floors of Hulme Grammar School, and given a backdrop scene showing industrial Oldham.
Photo: Tom Banister 2011.
Oldham Grammar School
The foundation deed of the Grammar School, an indenture dated 15th May 1606, is well preserved in our archive. Further information can be found on our Exhibition pages.
Oldham Hulme Grammar School Archive.
Oldham Grammar School
The Grammar School's oldest book, a copy of "William Fulke, The Text of The New Testament of Jesus Christ", third Edition, 1617, has been professionally rebound and now resides in our archive.
Oldham Hulme Grammar School Archive.
Oldham Grammar School
The title page of the bible; further information can be found on our Exhibition pages.
Oldham Hulme Grammar School Archive.
Oldham Grammar School
Many of the pages are decorated.
Oldham Hulme Grammar School Archive.
Oldham Grammar School
Each page contains the Catholic Rheims text in parallel with the text of the Bishop's Bible which was used at that time by the Church of England. Fulke also included his notes which exposed what he believed were errors in the Catholic text.
Oldham Hulme Grammar School Archive.
