Penistone Grammar School Art Print

Founded in 1392, Penistone Grammar School is amongst the oldest extant schools in England (it has continually operated since that founding date). In 1893 the school relocated from its town centre position to a site on the edge of Penistone, where it remains to this day. At this ‘new’ site, the school developed and expanded from its Weirfield origins to incorporate the old workhouse, stables and the building of Fulford Hall in the early twentieth century. It is on the latter building that I have based my design. This is the one I remember from my teenage years.

I had friends who attended PSG and can also remember driving to my sister’s in nearby Thurlstone, looking over to the school, high upon its hill (well before the new house development sprung up at its feet!). I was saddened when it was demolished in 2014 to make way for new, modern structures, although some still remain, turned into apartments – such is the way with progress!

I hope to have captured the spirit of the old school in my design. It will be part of a small series looking at our ‘lost landscapes’ from across Yorkshire and beyond.