Radcliffe

This is the main building for the Radcliffe House

The Radcliffe House which is named after Richard Radcliffe who was an 'Arms Bearer' or professional soldier. He must have been good at this job because he certainly owned a great deal of land. When he died on 16th March 1476, he had a Manor in Widnes, which returned, after taxes, £10 per annum! Although £10 each year is not a great deal of money now, in 1476, it was enough to make Richard Radcliffe a wealthy man. This was not all he had, he also owned. the "Manor of Astely"; 12 acres of land in Clitheroe; 40 acres of land; 10 acres of meadow and 20 acres of woodland in Chatburn; 60 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow and 100 acres of pasture in Scholley; along with the Manor of Wilmerle in the County of Richmond. So, Richard Radcliffe was definitely a man of property.

The four Houses all reflect the long history of the people of Widnes. Who knows, in the future, a House may be named after some of today's pupils!