IMPROVEMENTS UNDER WAY AT BRIGG SCHOOL - 'LEARNING'S MYSTIC TEMPLE'

The Brigg Grammar School song tells us that "our founder" (Sir John Nelthorpe) gave broad acres (Lincolnshire land and property bequeathed in his 1669 will) "to open wide the door of learning's mystic temple to every devotee" (by establishing the town's first school, on this site).
Today (Saturday) the entry door to what's now Sir John Nelthorpe School was open wide again, not to welcome pupils but because of improvement work being undertaken inside the grade one listed part of the premises.

Health and safety fencing and warning notices to the public to keep out. The 17th century school was enlarged in 1878 - a date recorded above this door.

A contractor's van parked at the end of the drive this morning. The original school building is on the left and is protected by grade one listed building status - the only Brigg structure to qualify.

A new heating system and wiring is being installed and work is very well advanced.
However, we have asked North Lincolnshire Council for an update and have inquired about the cost of the improvements - not to criticise the amount being spent but rather to show welcome investment for education in future years.
Read about the granting of planning permission and listed building consent some weeks ago...

Here are pictures of the original entry door (reopened after refurbishment in 1969) and a close-up of the inscription with reference (in Latin) to M.DC.LXXIIII (1674) for the building was not ready for educational use until then.

Lastly, a view from the school looking across to what was Jack Clark's tuck shop (now a private dwelling - centre of picture). Thousands of school pupils down the decades excitedly exited the drive to cross Grammar School Road during break times and buy sweets, crisps and pop. It had other owners after Jack,  including Paper Lincs.