Hawkshead Old Grammar School

The Old Grammar School in the pretty village of Hawkshead was founded in 1585 by the Archbishop of York, Edwin Sandys. It is now a museum housing a unique collection of historic items relating to the school, whose most famous pupil was William Wordsworth.

The ground floor classroom retains many old desks covered in carving done by the boys, including the poet William Wordsworth and his brother John.

Upstairs is the headmaster’s study and an exhibition relating to the history of the school, the founder and William Wordsworth. A guided tour explains why the boys were allowed to carve their names in the desk, drink beer and smoke at school.

Whilst at school in Hawkshead, William lodged with Ann Tyson and her husband, who were in their sixties, first in the village, then at Colthouse where they moved in 1783. Anne Tyson’s cottage is a private home, now used as a holiday cottage.

2022 Opening hours and Admission

www.hawksheadgrammar.org.uk/