Hampton School (Hampton)

 secondary school, independent school

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Known until 1973 as Hampton Grammar School, London, England

In 1556, a wealthy brewer who had acquired property in Hampton left in his will provision for the maintenance of a 'free scole' and to build a small schoolhouse 'with seates in yt' in the churchyard. This is the story of its survival and eventual growth to become a great school with an enviable reputation for high achievement, both academically and in sport, that it is today.

Although Hampton School was thereby founded in 1557 there was provision in the will that the school would only continue as long as the vicar, churchwardens and parishioners carried out his requests. If not, then the properties would revert to his heirs. It seems that the school (in its first incarnation) did not survive beyond 1568 and possibly earlier and the properties reverted to the heirs.

Subsequently, however, the school was to be re-opened in 1612. This was as a result of a Commission that was established to enquire into the fate of Tudor charities that had disappeared for various reasons in different parts of the country. The “learned counsell on bothe sides” reached a deadlock at the Commissioners. However in the spirit of compromise and through the generosity of the then legal owner of the properties, Nicholas Pigeon, the school was re-endowed. The school has continued in various forms and in various buildings ever since.

It was undoubtedly a shaky beginning, although in the 18th century it was nurtured by some celebrated benefactors, the Earl of Halifax, prime minister Lord North, and the great actor David Garrick. Difficult times had still to be overcome. But in the last century began a steady upward curve under a succession of fine headmasters and dedicated staff, leading to the watershed of the change in status from local authority to independent school in 1975. Since then the school has continued to expand and to flourish.

Originally founded on March 7, 1557 from the will of Robert Hammond, the early school assembled on the site of St Mary's Church and later moved to a purpose-built campus in 1880 on the Upper Sunbury Road before its move to the present site on the Hanworth Road in 1939.

The School returned to its status as an independent, fee-paying school in 1975 in the light of changes to the administration of secondary education in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and remains independent to the present day. It is located next to The Lady Eleanor Holles School for girls, with which it shares several classes, clubs, facilities and a coach service.

Founders' Day is celebrated by the school each year. The occasion is marked by a procession of boys walking from the school down to St. Mary's Church by the Thames, towards the end of the academic year.

Famous alumni; Brian May of glam rock band Queen and
Paul Samwell-Smith & Jim McCarty (founding members of The Yardbirds)
www.hamptonschool.org.uk/