The Old Grammar School

The Old Grammar School is a notable 16th-century timber-framed and plastered building located on Barn Street in Lavenham. It features a cross wing at the north end and two cross wings at the south end, with a tiled roof and two storeys. The upper storey juts out on exposed joists supported by curved brackets, with remnants of shafts and capitals. The north end has been partly underbuilt with two 18th-century bays and includes an 18th-century doorway. The upper storey and gables of the cross wings showcase exposed timber-framing. The two gables on the south side have impressive bressumers that project at the front, featuring billet moulding, carving, and some Tudor roses.

On the upper storey, there is a six-window range of casements. The ground storey includes an 18th-century bow oriel window with glazing bars at the north end, a splayed bay, and an eight-panel door with a semi-circular fanlight. The south end features a six-light mullioned and transomed oriel window. The north cross wing has a ridge chimney stack with tile-moulded banes that support three octagonal shafts. Inside, the building retains many original features, including carved and moulded beams and panelling. The building was purchased in 1647 to serve as a grammar school and remained in operation until 1887. Notable pupils include the artist John Constable and agriculturalist Arthur Young.