The Priory, Ottery St Mary blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: The Priory Rainwater heads show the date 1719 when the present property was built. Despite its name, records reveal no such ecclesiastical connection. The Priory was an independent school in the 1870's. By 1868 Revd George Smith, the vicar and Schoolmaster was living here. It was acquired by the Church Governors in 1894, and from 1896 to 1912 housed the Kings Grammar School. Following the 1914-18 war it was home to the Ottery St Mary branch of the Royal British Legion. It was the Ottery St Mary Police Station, Court House and detention cells from 1949 to 1974 Recorded plaque organisation: Ottery St Mary Heritage Society.

The Priory in Ottery St Mary, despite its name suggesting an ecclesiastical connection, has served various community functions including as an independent school in the 1870s, the Kings Grammar School from 1896 to 1912, and later as the local police station, court house, and detention cells from 1949 to 1974.