1 Lords Square, Payne School (1802)

The old Payne School sits at 1 Lord’s Square in Ipswich, between Linebrook Road and Liberty Street. In 1802, the North District decided to construct a schoolhouse with a public subscription. Dr. Manning gave half the funds for its construction. The building was originally a single story and was the beginning of the Payne School in Lord Square.

Town Clerk Nathaniel Lord reported in 1815 that the North District (Payne School) had 115 students. In 1852, the second floor and other improvements were added to the Payne School. It was refurbished again in 1872. In 1891, it was moved from its nearby previous location, where the laundromat is now, and received extensive repairs. Payne School was last used for students in 1942. Since 1972 this building has served as the Ipswich school superintendent’s office. The architect is recorded at MACRIS as George Swan.

Payne School is on the right, and the old Linebrook School building on the left is now the gatehouse to Highland Cemetery.
The 1832 Ipswich map identifies the Payne School location at the intersection of Lords Square and High St.
The 1832 Ipswich map identifies the Payne School location at the intersection of Lords Square and High Street.
This closeup of the 1856 Ipswich map shows the Payne school very near the location of the Dunkin Donuts.
This close-up of the 1856 Ipswich map shows the Payne school very near the location of the Dunkin’ Donuts.
The 1872 Lords Square map appears to show the Payne School at its current location, along with the little Linebrook School at the locati
The 1872 Lords Square map is unclear. It appears to show the Payne School at its current location, along with the little Linebrook School. It also shows a building indicated as SH at the previous location of the Payne School.
The Payne School stands by itself in the 1893 Ipswich Birdseye Map.
The Payne School is almost in the middle of this shot from the 1893 Ipswich Birdseye Map, looking east toward Lords Square.
Students at Payne School

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