The Leveson family and Wolverhampton Grammar School: An Annuity for the Usher

Description:The Leveson family are extremely significant in Wolverhampton’s history. During the early sixteenth century James Leveson became the largest landowner in the town when he purchased lands around South Staffordshire. With considerable estates in the parish of Wolverhampton, the Leveson family played an important role in the provision of educational facilities in the town, providing money to Wolverhampton’s Grammar School. Documents in the Sutherland Papers indicate that the Levesons supported the school principally by providing an annuity to the Usher at the institution.

The Sutherland Papers include accounts made by Thomas Clarke, the Bailiff of the Manor of Stowheath, from 1606-1608. James Leveson had acquired the Manor of Stowheath, which was the name for the Manor of Wolverhampton in 1532, and half of the Manor remained in the Leveson family shared with Sir John and Thomas Gifford. Thomas Clarke’s accounts reflect the dominance of the Leveson family in and around Wolverhampton during the early seventeenth century, featuring property in Wolverhampton, Bilston, Willenhall, Wednesfield, Wednesbury and Codsall. The accounts also refer to annual payments made to the usher of Wolverhampton Grammar School, demonstrating the Leveson family’s involvement in educational provision in Wolverhampton.

Thomas Clarke’s accounts for 1606 list a payment ‘for the Schoole at Hampton’ which was ‘an Anncient Rent due’ reflecting the Leveson family’s involvement with Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Contextual Information from R. F. Wisker ‘The Estates of James Leveson of Wolverhampton (d. 1547)’, Staffordshire Archaeological Transactions, Volume 37 (1998)

Click on the images on the left to learn more about the annuity for the Usher of Wolverhampton Grammar School.