Heath Old Boys Association

Quatercentenary Plate 1985

In 1985 a limited edition plate was produced to mark the 400^th anniversary of the granting of the charter. The inscription on the underside says:

The Free Grammar School at Heath, near Halifax was founded by a charter granted by Elizabeth I in 1585. The first land was given to the charity by Henry Farrar in 1597. The Trustees of the charity then had their corporate seal made bearing the same date.
The Vicar of Halifax, Dr John Favour energised his parish into greater donations, which established the school properly and he is now regarded as its founder.
In 1727, the charity had fallen on ‘hard times’ and a Charter of Confirmation from George II was required to re-establish it.
Rebuilding of the school and enlargement of the master’s house plus a more professional management of its estates from 1777 further invigorated the charity.
A series of changes in the charter and statutes between 1873 and 1903 and a larger new building in 1879 ensured its very successful entry into the 20th century.
In 1925 the independence of the school came to an end when the Trustees handed over all their assets and responsibilities to Halifax corporation.
Designed and produced as a limited edition of 400 by Edward Underhill of Mytholmroyd W Yorks using an illustration by Sarah Kay Tomlinson.
This is Plate No
376

With thanks to John Gaukroger [Heath 1944–1951].

1 February 2018