Saighton Grange Cheshire 1817 – 2024

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## Saighton Grange

Saighton Grange, located in Cheshire, England, began as a monastic grange before evolving into a country house. The manor was held by the secular canons of St Werburgh in Chester before the Norman Conquest. In 1093, it was granted to the Benedictine monks of St Werburgh's Abbey by Hugh Lupus. The site was given a licence to crenellate in 1399, and this was confirmed in 1410, but the privilege was apparently not acted upon: "Saighton was primarily an agricultural centre until it was converted to residential use in the fifteenth century". (everything.explained.today)

The manor house was built about 1489 for Simon Ripley, Abbot of St Werburgh's. Following the dissolution of the monasteries, the manor passed through several hands and in time the house was separated from the manor. In the 1840s, the house was bought by the 2nd Marquess of Westminster. (everything.explained.today)

The monastic buildings, other than the gatehouse, were demolished in 1861 and were replaced by a house designed by Edward Hodkinson for the 2nd Marquess of Westminster. Alterations were made to the house in about 1870–72 and again in 1894–96 by the Chester architect John Douglas for the 1st Duke of Westminster. In the 1880s, the building was occupied by Earl Grosvenor. The gardens were redesigned in 1901–02 by Harry Inigo Triggs. (everything.explained.today)

The buildings were converted into a school in 1977 and it now forms Abbey Gate College, which is a private coeducational school for pupils aged 4–18. (everything.explained.today)