Historic John Ray House on the market for £450,000

John Ray House, named after the famous naturalist who was born in the 17th century, was built in 1928 for use by Braintree County High School, in Bocking End, Braintree.

Designed by Essex County Architect John Stuart in a neo-Georgian style, the building remains largely intact but is not a listed building.

Historian Mike Bardell, knows much about the history of John Ray House and like many Braintree residents, used to some of have his PE lessons inside the building.

He said: “I well remember my school days there from 1960 to 1965 when the, to me, pointless activity of hanging, climbing and vaulting was ordered instead of the acceptable football.

“We did on occasion play basketball thanks to sports master, Mr Ray, who was involved with the England basketball team.”

“The building contained an office, male and female changing rooms with showers and a hardwood strip floor in the gymnasium itself.

“Wall bars were fitted on both long walls and ropes and rope ladders were suspended from the ceiling.

“In the 60s school assemblies were held there daily when a canvas like rug was rolled out as protection for the floor.”

The building remained in use as a gymnasium until 1994 when the high school closed, after which it became Braintree’s registrar’s office until 2016 when Essex County Council moved services elsewhere.

Another of its many uses over the decades was during the Second World War, when it was used as a base for the Essex Home Guard.

John Ray House is situated on the edge of Weavers Park and comes with half an acre of land.

Mr Bardell said: “Sadly, it is not a listed building however it has recently been added to the Courtauld Built Estate element of Braintree District Council’s Local Heritage List so has a measure of protection for the future.”

Essex County Council sold the building in August last year.

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