Coming soon – a new architectural resource

250 YEARS AGO – FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP : Coming soon – a new architectural resource.

The work of the Georgian artisans engaged by Rev John Halls to build his family house (Grey Friars) can once again be appreciated in all its glory.

Thanks to a detailed record by Joan Gurney and her photographer colleague  Chris Farndell we will soon be able to supplement our book with a detailed resource to be published on our website. It is hoped to have this ready during April this year. In the meantime, a small sample can be seen below.

Staircase WEB The magnificent main staircase of the core building of 1755.

Room 3 WEB The Garden Room in the ‘garden front’ addition of 1780. Everyone’s favourite room – as evidenced by reminiscences from former Nursery Class pupils and older CCHS girls, through to the adult college students of the 1960s to the 2000s.

Rm 3 fireplace WEB Could Robert Adam have been involved in the design of this elegant fireplace surround in the Garden Room?

Rm 3 plaque WEB A detailed view of the marble plaque above the fireplace. Postcards from the Convent School era always show this and its flanking carvings covered by a dark cloth draped across the mantelpiece.

Rm 3 doorway WEB View through the imposing doorway towards the front door and its impressive inner and outer hallways.

Rm 3 doorcase detail WEB Detail of the door-case decoration of 1780. Some of the most intricate in the building.

We appreciate the co-operation of the hotel owners. To view their website go to www.greyfriarscolchester.co.uk  (Please mention our project’s website if you visit or make a booking.) If you would like to have larger, more detailed photos of the features, these will appear in greater definition in the resource document, so please re-visit this site around May this year.

Have any reminiscences of your own? Know any former students? Please contact us with information and spread the word amongst family and friends. There’s much more to be discovered about this fascinating site!