SHOWING CONTINUING PRIDE IN 350 YEARS' BRIGG EDUCATION

A banner continues to be displayed on the front of a Brigg school building, heralding 350 years' education in the town.
The message can be viewed from Wrawby Road at the Sir John Nelthorpe Lower School.
From the 1930s through to the mid-1970s, Brigg Girls' High School occupied this seat of learning.
Education in Brigg was established in 1669 when Sir John Nelthorpe - born at a house in the Market Place - made a generous bequest in his will.
This established a school on what later became Grammar School Road. After building work was finally completed, the first lessons were held in 1679, 1680 or 1681. This became the grammar school, which continued until the formation of Sir John Nelthorpe School in 1976 when comprehensive education was introduced (some might say imposed) by Humberside County Council.
The former BGS buildings became Sir John Nelthorpe Upper School, and the original 17th century part of the school is still in use today - being the town's only grade one listed structure.
No criticism is intended oft SJN retaining the banner beyond 2019 - the 350th anniversary.
If someone can somehow manage to confirm 1679, 1680 or 1681 as the opening date, there's a further chance to celebrate 350 years' Brigg schooling in the future.
Research undertaken for Brigg Blog's Timeline project has revealed that the grammar school closed in 1905 for 18 months, due to poor attendances and other factors.
However, local primary schools were still operating during this period so there was no break in Brigg education.