This photograph of Andover Grammar School was taken soon after it opened at its new site off Weyhill Road in 1925, the first time in its history that girls were eligible for entry.

There were at least three successive, earlier schools, all near St Mary’s church, the latest of these being the museum buildings still standing today.

Traditionally, the first school was established in 1569 but the evidence suggests that it was a little later. John Hanson’s will of 1571 bequeaths a sum in trust to pay the salary of £16 for a schoolmaster to run a free school, yet to be erected.

The first known master was Alexander Twitchin, and a stone with his initials and the date 1582, now in the present-day John Hanson Community School, may signify a more accurate date - though Alice Abbott’s will of 1574 bequeathing five shillings to the free school, contradicts that.

The rebus of John Hanson - a hand before a sun - had long been the school’s insignia, reproduced on countless 20th century blazer badges and school caps. And as a salute to Hanson and two other benefactors, the 1925 school instituted a ‘house’ system, distinguishable by a stripe in the mandatory neck tie – Hanson, red; Kemys, blue; and Blake, green.

After the school became comprehensive in 1974, another benefactor’s name was added to create a fourth house, that of Hugh Marshall who was the second headmaster of the first school from 1611 to 1624.

The buildings above, though instantly recognisable to anyone who went there, underwent many changes over the years. A swimming pool was opened in 1936, vital air raid shelters in 1939 – not removed until the 1970s - and a gymnasium in the early 1950s.

However, the greatest improvement was the building of a new south wing in 1959, which saw the demolition of that end of the original structure, to be replaced by an impressive architectural gem that included stone columns and capitals.

This provided a new school hall, kitchens and woodwork room, together with a first-floor science and arts block.

The school continued to thrive with its customs and traditions throughout the 1960s and early ’70s. Many of the teachers wore gowns; a school magazine was biennial; homework was set regularly; sports were highly competitive; fountain pens were mandatory, boys were called by their surnames; lesson times were a 45-minute period, regulated by an electronic bell and the class stood to attention when the teacher entered the room.

However, the days of the grammar school with its academic selection, traditions and customs were numbered, and in 1974 the school became comprehensive, with a number of its staff, including the headmaster, leaving to go to the newly-opened Cricklade College.

During the next 25 years or so, the school continued as the John Hanson School and again there were extensions to the building in order to cope with increasing numbers, until finally a new site was found on land off Floral Way, and the old school sold for housing development.

Walking the new estate today, it is difficult to seek any points of reference, so completely has the old school and its extensive grounds been obliterated. Perhaps just here and there, an ageing tree stands proud, amid the oddly-familiar contours of the land.