Founded at the dawn of the 17th century, Chilcot’s Free School stands as a testament to the philanthropic spirit of the merchant class in post-Elizabethan England. While often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, Blundell’s School, Chilcot’s played a vital role in providing social mobility for the town's less fortunate.
The school was established in 1609 by Robert Comyn (alias Chilcott), a figure deeply embedded in Tiverton’s prosperous wool and cloth trade. Chilcot was not merely a wealthy merchant; he was the nephew and clerk to Peter Blundell, the town's most famous benefactor. He was also the brother-in-law to George Slee, another prominent merchant who resided in the "Great House" on Peter Street.
Construction was completed in 1611 at a cost of £400—a significant sum at the time. To ensure the school's longevity, Chilcot established a yearly rent-charge of £90 for maintenance and salaries. In a curious reflection of the era's social expectations, his will specifically mandated that the schoolmaster must be a single man.
Designed to provide a "basic grounding" in the three R’s (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic), the school targeted the "poor children" of Tiverton who were otherwise excluded from formal education.
The building’s endurance is a central part of its history. Just one year after completion, it survived the Great Fire of Tiverton in 1612, which devastated much of the town. While other structures perished, Chilcot’s remained, continuing its educational mission for nearly three centuries until it finally closed its doors as a school in 1903.
The building is a Grade II listed* structure, marking it as a site of exceptional historic interest. It remains one of the oldest surviving school buildings in the county of Devon.
The Wicket Gate: The building features a classic "wicket"—a small, secondary door built into a much larger door. This allowed for individuals to enter or exit without the effort or security risk of opening the main heavy gates.
Historic Listing: The site, which includes No. 4 St Peter Street at the rear, is officially protected under Historic England (List Entry No. 1384948).
Since 1903, the building has adapted to the changing needs of the Tiverton community, serving a diverse array of functions:
Physical Education: A gymnasium.
Military & Trade: A military store and an auction showroom.
Art & Culture: A pottery studio, a museum, and a meeting room.
Robert Chilcot’s devotion to Tiverton extended beyond the schoolroom. As a churchwarden at St Peter’s Church, he was instrumental in its restoration following the 1612 fire. His charitable reach also extended to the local almshouses, ensuring that both the youth and the "elderly and infirm" were provided for.
Chilcot School, 4 St Peter Street, Tiverton, Devon
Statutory Heritage Listing
Grade: II* (Grade Two Star). This indicates it is a "particularly important building of more than special interest." Only about 5.8% of listed buildings in England fall into this category.
List Entry Number: 1384948
Date First Listed: February 12, 1952
Significance: It is protected for its well-preserved early 17th-century Jacobean architecture, specifically its "squared purplish stone rubble" construction and original stone-mullioned windows.
Local Designations
Tiverton Civic Society Blue Plaque: The building carries a blue plaque that summarizes its history, noting its foundation in 1611, its survival through the great fires of 1612 and 1731, and its diverse uses after closing as a school in 1906.
Conservation Area: The building is a key asset within the Tiverton Conservation Area, contributing to the historic character of St Peter Street alongside other notable buildings like the Great House of St George.
Site Components & Heritage Records
Chilcot School (Front): The single-story former schoolroom facing St Peter Street.
Number 4 St Peter Street (Rear): The former Headmaster’s House, a two-story 17th-century stone building that remains part of the listed group.
Historic Environment Record (HER): It is indexed in the Devon & Dartmoor HER under ID MDV1367.
Chronology of Historic Uses
1611–1906: Educational use (Free School/Bluecoat School).
1907: Converted into a gymnasium.
WWII: Used as a military store.
Post-War: Headquarters for Sea Cadets, pottery studio for Tiverton Technical College, and the original home of the Tiverton Museum.
Current/Recent: Meeting rooms and auctioneer’s showroom.
St Peter's Church Detailing its Grade I listed architecture, 16th-century carvings, and historical significance as the site of the first "Wedding March" performance. It offers practical visitor information, including opening times, accessibility details, service schedules, and information on the church’s active community groups and charitable work.
