Aysgarth School Chapel and Heritage Tour
Aysgarth School, Newton-le-Willows, Newton-le-Willows, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 1TF
Aysgarth School was founded in 1877 by Reverend Clement T. Hales, a visionary Cambridge Scholar. Initially based near Aysgarth Falls, the school moved to its current site at Newton-le-Willows in 1890. The school crest, featuring an oak tree, symbolises strength, with the motto "Ex quercu non ex salice" – "of oak, not of willow."
In its early years, boys wore top hats and Eton jackets, with life documented by Colonel Meinertzhagen, who described boys swimming in the river, walking on Penhill, and learning about nature. When the school moved to Newton-le-Willows, it was said, "Very few schools can compete with Aysgarth in its completeness," boasting Eton and Harrow Fives courts, an indoor swimming pool, and a stunning chapel with a magnificent organ.
Join us on Open Heritage Day for a guided tour of our rich history, led by our Archivist and author of Aspects of Aysgarth, Ted Haslam. Ted joined Aysgarth in 1983 and, after a headship at Barnard Castle and retirement in 2009, returned in 2009 in various teaching roles, finally leaving teaching in 2014. His grandson attended Aysgarth, continuing the family tradition.
We look forward to welcoming you to explore the heritage of Aysgarth School.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 20 September:
- 10:00
Location & directions
Aysgarth School, Newton-le-Willows, Newton-le-Willows, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 1TF
- Directions:
- When you arrive at the School please use the second entrance as you head up the hill from Newton-le-Willows, following the signs for car park. From the car park the Chapel entrance will be clearly signposted.
- Contact on day:
- Debbie Stanford
- Telephone number:
- +441677450240
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Complete the booking form - https://www.trybooking.com/uk/ETKP Or email Debbie Stanford at [email protected]
- Booking contact name:
- Debbie Stanford
- Booking telephone number:
- +441677451023
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.trybooking.com/uk/ETKP
- Booking opens:
- 04 Jun 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 18 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Access to the Chapel and Dining Room has full wheelchair access but the Tower which will also be open for HOD does not have wheelchair access.
Additional information
Refreshments will be served at the end of the tour in the Headmaster's study.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 50
- Est. tour duration:
- 2 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
