General

Visitors to the School and Repton are likely to have noticed the considerable renovation work which has been undertaken on the ‘Great Wall’, the stone wall stretching from the Arch along Repton High Street towards the roundabout and left down Boot Hill.

Sensitive restoration works have been carried out since September by refacing the wall with stone and then weathering the surfaces by hand to provide an authentic look in keeping with the original structure.

It is thought that the wall dates back to the 12th or 13th century as it is believed to be contemporary with the Old Priory which was built in this era. ‘The Great Wall’ is even referred to in the School Property Register of 1925.

The preservation of the Great Wall has been important to the Repton Community for years and all are keen to keep this up. Below is an extract from a letter to the editor of The Reptonian, December 1932, highlighting one reader’s concern for the integrity of the wall before the previous restoration efforts of 1936.

“The splendid old wall which encircles the school building will very soon collapse if not repaired; the stone is flaking in several parts and I have found large gaps which allow the weather to enter and devastate the wall, and in one case I found a bird’s nest – all that is needed is not much and can be easily done. 'For want of a battle the kingdom was lost; and all for the want of a horseshoe nail.'  May this not be the case with Repton.”

The renovation work is looking great and is now nearing completion, it will no doubt keep the wall looking smart and standing strong for many years to come.