Heritage Open Day at Grey Friars, Sunday, 10th September, 2023
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Once again Grey Friars took part in the Heritage Open Day on September 10th when interesting and historic buildings which are not normally open to the public welcome those who want to see inside.
An exhibition was set up in the room with a bay window on the eastern side of the former CCHS entrance hall, detailing the history of the site from Roman times to the building of the present house in 1755 and onward, showing its various occupants until the present day. The exhibition attracted a number of viewers and books on Grey Friars were available.
Alan Skinner, helped by his wife Sylvia, conducted two guided tours around Roman Road and Castle Road (left) which were formerly the grounds and garden of Grey Friars before the road and housing developments. Alan’s walks are always popular and were fully booked in advance with 15 people on each.
Alan provided everybody with a sturdy returnable booklet to help with his guidance around the route.
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There was no fear of rain on this day, but the sun was extremely hot particularly on the afternoon walk. However, two stalwart determined groups set out with sun cream, sun hats and sun glasses. There are always CCHS Old Girls on these walks and together with the very interested and co-operative residents of the two roads, many intriguing stories are added to Alan’s commentary. In the photograph, the occupier of the former Roman Urn public house in Roman Road tells the groups stories of erstwhile publicans.
On returning to the Reception area of Grey Friars hotel and at the end of each circular tour, a member of the hotel staff took each group on a tour of the interior of the hotel, to show how the rooms had been tastefully and sensitively converted from CCHS classrooms to hotel use. There were, of course, more stories and memories from CCHS alumnae of their activities and misbehaviour within the school classrooms. Then there was a last look at the exhibition.
The day ended in late afternoon. Drinks and cups of tea were necessary but plentiful and everybody went home hot but happy.