History of the Building
In the early 1840’s the Wilson family of High Wray House raised enough money to build a schoolhouse in part of their orchard and then, by annual subscriptions ensure it’s maintenance. The schoolhouse was a plain building with the schoolroom on the ground floor, with three living rooms above for the teacher and his wife.
Eventually the number of pupils shrank and the school was closed. The school was reopened later by the Dawson family who built Wray Castle. The School Board of 1877 condemned the schoolhouse. Money was raised through concerts, bazaars and donations to pay for a replacement building which was erected in 1886 at a cost of £362 18s 3d. In 1904 the county wanted to close the school and transport the children to Hawkshead by trap. However the school was reprieved and survived until 1931 when the children were then transferred to Hawkshead School and the building became High Wray Village Hall.
Eventually the number of pupils shrank and the school was closed. The school was reopened later by the Dawson family who built Wray Castle. The School Board of 1877 condemned the schoolhouse. Money was raised through concerts, bazaars and donations to pay for a replacement building which was erected in 1886 at a cost of £362 18s 3d. In 1904 the county wanted to close the school and transport the children to Hawkshead by trap. However the school was reprieved and survived until 1931 when the children were then transferred to Hawkshead School and the building became High Wray Village Hall.