History
LGS was founded after Thomas Burton, a prosperous wool merchant from Loughborough, left money for priests to pray for his soul upon his death in 1495; these priests went on to found the school that would become LGS.
Loughborough is one of England’s oldest schools, pre- dating similar institutions such as Harrow, Westminster and Stowe by a number of centuries. Alongside Winchester College, Harrow School, Monmouth School, Eton College, and Radley College, it is one of a select number of independent boarding schools in Britain that remain for boys only. Since its inception over 500 years ago, its alumni have shaped the world around them: Sir Thomas Abney founded the Bank of England; Charles McCurdy played a central role in the reforming Liberal Party of the early 20th century; Rev. George Davys educated the young Queen Victoria and the flying ace Air Vice Marshall Johnnie Johnson destroyed more Luftwaffe aircraft than any other Allied pilot. Former masters include the former government minister Lord Elton and author Colin Dexter.
The school was founded in the Parish Church in the centre of Loughborough in 1495, but was moved by the trustees of the Burton Charity to its present location in 1852. A purpose-built site on Burton Walks became its permanent home, initially consisting of the main school building, loadgings and a gatehouse at the Leicester Road entrance. These buildings were Grade II Listed in the 1980s.
The school celebrated its quincentenary in 1995, when it was visited by HM Queen Elizabeth II. During her visit the Queen opened the new English block, the "Queen's Building", which includes a drama studio.
Read more about this topic: Loughborough Grammar School
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