History of Burnsall School

Sir William Craven, Lord Mayor of London (1610) and founder of Burnsall School. It is said that the tale of Dick Whittington is based upon the story of William Craven. William was born in Appletreewick of poor parents. He moved to London  and worked in a silk mercers business. He became wealthy and was made Lord Mayor of London. He founded the old grammar school which is now Burnsall Primary School in 1602

Burnsall School was built in 1601 next to the church of St Wilfrid's. There was a house for the master and dormitories for boarders. It was Sir William Craven who donated money, and a panel over the school door says " William Craven Alderman of London founder of this Schoole Anno Domini 1601"

This school has been a primary school since 1896, extended 1965 and a second storey and the school flat converted in 2003.

Our school is unusual in that it has been a school for its entire history.