A BOOK charting the 450-year history of one of the country's oldest grammar schools will go on sale next week.

The book, Ripon Grammar School-Celebrating 450 Years, is being launched to coincide with events marking the anniversary, including an Old Riponians Family Day, for past pupils, friends and family, on Saturday, July 9.

It has been written by the school's head of history, Elizabeth Sparey, and includes rare old photographs, illustrations and documents, many recently found in school archives.

The book traces the school from the days when boys wrote with quills, provided their own candles in winter and were birched for misdemeanours.

It contains the story of school governor Jonathan Jenings, who achieved notoriety in the 17th Century by fighting a duel with another governor, George Aislabie, over a young lady.

Aislabie died of his wounds and Jenings narrowly avoided punishment for murder by rushing to London to obtain the King's pardon.

One pupil, Matthew Hutton, of Marske, near Redcar, went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury in the 18th Century.

More recent past pupils include fashion designer Bruce Oldfield, who has contributed to the book, and Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond.

Chairman of governors Ian Pringle said: "I would like to congratulate all of those involved in compiling this book.

"There are few state schools in the country that can boast a history so rich in tradition and achievement as Ripon Grammar School. The Ripon Grammar School of 2005 is a forward-looking, vibrant and stimulating place of learning and can look forward to the future with both confidence and optimism."

The book costs £10 and is available from the school and the House of Stratus bookshop, in Ripon.