Report - Winsford County Grammar School, Cheshire - June 2023

[Bazza74]

The history

Built in 1895, money for construction of the school was supplied by local industrialist Sir Joseph Verdin, who - along with his family - were at the time owners of the largest salt manufacturers in the United Kingdom, producing over 300,000 tonnes annually, hence the Verdin name.

The school was also known as Verdin Technical School, Verdin Higher Elementary School, Verdin County School And Verdin Grammar School

Its last use was a council-run small-business start-up centre called the ‘Verdin Exchange’ which opened in 1991 according to a plaque. Less than half the units appeared occupied on closure and the exchange was relocated to a more modern facility with the ”verdin” remaining empty ever since.

The explore

Passing by on the way back from another explore and thought we’d take a look after a previous failed attempt, and thankfully with a bit of luck we were in. I saw @MotionlessMike posted a report on here a while ago but he said he was rushed and didn’t visit the whole building so I’ve tried to include the bits he didn’t show. The shots of the old drama areas were definitely my favourite part. Should add too it was a rare find that still had the power on in parts!

Front and oldest part

Rear with gym and hall to the right. The large windows of the drama school can be seen on the top floor

Library

Only ever seen this in a prison before!

Lovely original parquet flooring falling foul to water ingress

Kitchen area

Usual idiotic window smashing. The numbers on the walls relate to the self contained business units, each had its own electric meter

Drama area with huge windows, performance lighting can be seen on the ceiling

Costume and makeup area?

Stairs up to the hall, pigeon infested hall…..wasn’t worth adding a pic!

Memories of productions on the drama walls

Entrance and stairs to heaven…….

 

[Mikeymutt]

Loving that room with the chequered floor, looks very striking. Nice report.

 

[daveyman61]

This is my old school. The large room that was for drama, was actually an art room for art classes in the 1970s when it was a school. I remember doing art in there around about 1976/77 with a teacher called Mr Aldren. He always used to say, don't use too much paint lad! So there's some history for you!

 

[Bazza74]

This is my old school. The large room that was for drama, was actually an art room for art classes in the 1970s when it was a school. I remember doing art in there around about 1976/77 with a teacher called Mr Aldren. He always used to say, don't use too much paint lad! So there's some history for you!

That’s a nice bit of info. Art room
makes sense with all the light that gets in there. Always great to hear some history from someone who knew the building in its previous form.