Old Retford Grammar School Fives Court
This memorial commemorates a former pupil Captain William Eyre. The Fives court was paid for by Eyre's mother and was opened 20th October 1924 by the Mayor of Retford, Councillor J.R. Plant. Memorial description: Fives Court, of the 'Rugby Fives' type, rectangular walled structure with open front end, red brick with stone copings, approximately 4m high back wall with side walls decreasing in height towards front; interior is rendered and painted with bands of blue and grey; dedication stone with inscription: 'IN MEMORY OF CAPT. WILLIAM EYRE; WHO DIED OF WOUNDS; AUGUST 19TH 1916; THEIR NAME LIVETH FOREVER MORE'.
Eyre's date of death is incorrect. He died August 19th 1915.
Research by Peter Gillings
Identified casualties
1
person
- Names on this memorial
- Location
- Photographs
Names on this memorial
Location
Photographs
Photos Robert Ilett
‘Eton Fives’ was a sport invented by the famous public school that was adopted by grammar schools – which often aped public school traditions. King Edward VI taught boys to play a game which is a cross between squash and handball, and which takes place on a square court enclosed by high buttressed walls on three sides. Players would use their hands to strike the ball and a series of ledges and gulleys were built on the far wall to provide angles for their shots.
Source: The Retford Times
