Please click the Play button to listen to a brief audio clip about the history of the Bainbrigg Stones.
A Transcript is also available further down the page.
Photos provided by Appleby-in-Westmorland Society
Historical Images
Photos provided by Appleby-in-Westmorland Society
Audio Transcript
The sixteen stones built into the low wall on the west side of Chapel Street are the remains of a collection by Reginald Bainbrigg, some being Roman originals, some copies, and others of his own composition. Some of these stones were originally set up in Bainbrigg’s garden, with others in the wall of the old school.
Reginald Bainbrigg was the headmaster of the old Appleby School from 1580 until around 1607. It was situated behind you on Chapel Street, with some of the school gardens being on the playing field. Reginald Bainbrigg made a will dated 11 May 1606, in which he left all his possessions to the school. This included his library of 295 volumes which formed the foundation of one of the largest school libraries in the country. It is not known exactly when and where Reginald Bainbrigg died, but his will was fulfilled on 17th September 1613.
In 1887 the new and current Appleby Grammar School opened. The old headmaster’s house on Chapel Street was demolished, and the schoolhouse was converted to dwellings. Reginald Bainbrigg’s stones were taken from the schoolhouse and set in the wall at Broad Close, whilst others were taken to the new Grammar School on Battlebarrow. The stones were granted Grade II listed status in 2020 by English Heritage. One of the old Chapel Street School doors, dated 1671, was re-used at the new Grammar School.
About the Speaker: Richard McGregor
Richard McGregor taught for two decades at the University of Cumbria, latterly as Director of Research and Professor of Music. He now teaches part-time at the Royal Conservatoire of Music in Glasgow. Since moving to Appleby, he has taken over as Musical Director of The Fellside Singers, who give regular concerts in Appleby and the surrounding area. He is currently chairman of the Appleby Archaeology group which organises talks, workshops, visits and excavations in Appleby and its vicinity.