Tattershall College

Remains of a grammar school for church choristers, founded in the mid-15th century by Ralph, Lord Cromwell, the builder of nearby Tattershall Castle (National Trust).

Tattershall College was built in 1460, four years after the death of its patron, Lord Cromwell, and was completed by William of Wainfleet, Bishop of Winchester.

This building formed part of the complex of college buildings in Tattershall village and is thought to have been the grammar school.

Most colleges provided such educational facilities for their choristers and for the sons of local tenants. Schoolmasters from the clergy and the laity might teach in both the collegiate and secular schools.

The Chantries Act of 1547 led to the closure of this type of religious institution across the country, and the college buildings near the church at Tattershall were demolished.

The present building was refounded as a secular grammar school and continued to be used for this purpose until the late 17th century. The new tenant converted the buildings into a malt-house and granary.

Many further alterations were made to the building until it came into state guardianship in 1972.  

The village of Tattershall is dominated by the 15th century castle, bought and restored by Lord Curzon of Kedleston in the early 20th century.

Its great tower, one of the earliest and most impressive brick buildings in the county, is now in the care of the National Trust.