The Lawrence Sheriff

Only a stone's throw from these premises, Rugby School is the town's largest and best-known landmark.

Only a stone's throw from these premises, Rugby School is the town's largest and best-known landmark. However, the original school stood opposite the parish church. Completed in 1574, it had its origins in the will of Lawrence Sheriff. Sheriff was a native of Rugby and purveyor of spices to Queen Elizabeth I. He left land and property for the foundation of four almshouses (since demolished) and a free grammar school for the education of boys in Rugby and Brownsover. By the mid 18th century, the old school buildings were dilapidated - and the school moved to the south end of High Street. When school fees were introduced, the Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School was founded to continue local boys' free education.