HISTORY

GREYFRIARS - The seven lives of a special site

Written by Joan Gurney & Alan Skinner

Second edition - with additional material

GreyFriars, the building at the top of East Hill is known and loved by many Colcestrians. For many years a flourishing centre for Adult Education, it previously housed Colchester County High School for nearly 40 years. Originally built in 1755 by the Rev. John Halls as an elegant Georgian town house, the building has had a fascinating succession of occupants including merchants, horticulturalists and army officers. In 1903 the connection with education began when the Sisters of Nazareth established a convent and school in the building. The book also explores the early history of the Grey Friars site from the Roman era to the establishment of the original Franciscan Friary in the 13^th century, eventually culminating in its dramatic conversion into a luxury hotel and restaurant in the 21^st Century.