Former Grammar School. Late C19 (1885). Architect J P Power. Slate roof, red brick, in late medieval gothic revival style, extensively refurbished and extended in 1929, and further remodeled and extended in 1938. Newer additions have been architecturally matched to the older style. Window casings in Corsham Down stone, with medieval gothic styling. Important Boys Grammar School building from 1885, and part of a comprehensive school from 1975 until 2010. Local listing to be limited to this building only, and to external appearance alone – internally much altered by conversion to apartments.
St Bartholomews School has a long but somewhat patchy history since its foundation by the will of Henry Wormestall, who endowed a chantry chapel and school in 1466 – “teching grammar scole of whiche that toune hath grete need”. It is thought to be the 42nd oldest grammar school still in existence. From 1848 to 1885 the school’s home was Litten House on the corner of Argyll Road and Pound Street. However, by 1880 the school’s needs had outgrown the accommodation at Litten House. New trustees were elected and drew up a scheme of management with a proper governing body whose first chairman was the Earl of Carnarvon. The school was to be a day and boarding school for boys; a building fund was established and land was acquired in the Enborne Road. Architects were invited to submit plans for the new school and the winning design cost £10,000 to complete. The new buildings were opened on 28th July 1885 and provided accommodation for 130 day boys and 20 boarders.
The building is constructed of red brick with stone mullioned windows in the Tudor style. The site was known as the Wormestall site following the merger in 1975 of St Bartholomews Boys Grammar School and Newbury County Girls Grammar School (on the Luker site). The building ceased to be part of the school in November 2010, following the completion of new school buildings, (the Ad Lucem project), and is now residential accommodation.
The Wormestall Grange building has significant importance to Newbury’s history as the home of Newbury Grammar School from 1885 to 1975 and of St Bartholomew’s co-educational Comprehensive School from 1975 to 2010. The boys grammar school offered an academic education of Newbury boys locally and many men who went on to play a significant part in Newbury life were educated there, including leading professional and commercial figures. The age of the foundation for this school is also significant. An application was made by a working group of Newbury Town Council to have the building nationally listed; however, this was turned down by English Heritage in 2007 on the grounds that Wormestall is old-fashioned in its style, lacks architectural innovation and was representative rather than exceptional. The school’s expansion had compromised the architectural integrity, although there were good quality materials, and the building made a positive contribution to the streetscape. It is for its historical role in the town’s history and its contribution to the streetscape that it has been Locally Listed.
HER Ref: MWB16461
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