Gresham's and Fishmongers

I went to the library talk today with G which was by the Headmaster of Gresham's public school, telling us all about it's history. It was founded in Holt by Sir John Gresham in 1555, just before his death. He was born in Holt, from a prominent local family, and was probably educated at Beeston by a school run by the church. The Reformation changed this, with monasteries dissolved and schools set up by rich benefactors instead. 

Sir John made his money from banking and trading and invested in land, owning 35,000 acres in Norfolk. He endowed the school with land and money, with these endowments being placed in the care of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers (still the school trustees). The photo shows the coats of arms of the Gresham's family and of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers and is above an entrance to Old School House, the original school building in the centre of Holt. 

It's had it's ups and downs over the years, educating only 20 boys in the 1890's and could have closed then, and again after WWII, but is now thriving with over 800 pupils. The new Dyson building opened in 2021 (following a large donation by ex-pupil James Dyson) which is a new centre for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), and the school buying Holt Hall this year which was also funded by an undisclosed benefactor (no news on how this will be used / developed). 

This afternoon G and I walked back into town to walk the Holt Owl Trail as G has an idea for a camera club event and we wanted to check it out. The Holt Owl Trail is a free booklet which guides visitors around the town, it's history, the many hidden yards and points of interest - an excellent idea.