The Old School

The Old School is a building that was originally founded in 1640, likely constructed around 1688 for Richard Duckworth, and later enlarged in 1877. It is located in Steeple Aston and has been converted from a school into a house. The structure is made from a mix of marlstone and limestone rubble, which was previously roughcast, and features limestone-ashlar dressings. The roofs are covered with Welsh slate and Stonesfield slate, and there are stone and brick stacks.

The building consists of a single range with an added parallel range and a stair wing, standing one storey plus an attic, along with a single-storey section. The main range has a symmetrical front with three large two-light windows that have moulded architraves and rectangular mullions. These windows are positioned below a moulded string that wraps around the gable walls and slightly projects over each window. A central stone plaque with a moulded surround notes the foundation and restoration of the school.

The Welsh-slate roof features three hipped dormers and stone-based gable stacks. The left gable wall includes a deeper window with transoms and a keyed oval window within a square surround at the gable. The wall continues to the gable wall of the single-storey rear range, which has a similar moulded string and a matching three-light transomed window. The right gable wall of the main range has another two-light transomed window and a three-light stone-mullioned window from the 19th century in the gable.

The 19th-century stair wing, which projects from the right end, contains single-light windows with moulded stone architraves, a plain-architraved entrance, and a stone bellcote on the gable. The rear section has a parapet and includes a re-set 17th-century doorway with a Latin inscription on the lintel. Inside, the main room features intersecting chamfered beams. The school was established by Dr. Samuel Radcliffe, who was the principal of Brasenose College, and it was restored or likely rebuilt by Richard Duckworth, the rector.