in 1783 and commented that the building was much changed. It was subsequently owned by John Ramey until his death in 1796, and then by his daughter, the Dowager Countess of Home until her death in 1814. This Countess of Home was Abigail Browne Ramey, the third wife of the 9th Earl. Her daughter, Lady Charlotte Baillie-Hamilton, sold it to the Rev Richard Foster, Vicar of Ormesby St Margaret with Scratby, 1835 to 1865. It was then owned by a Yarmouth brewer, Samuel Nightingale, and, after his death, his widow Catherine. The final owners of the hall as a house were their son, another Samuel Nightingale, and his wife. Duncan Hall School Verdun Searles was the owner (called the Principal) in 1968. At this point F J O’Brien was the headmaster. The final owner was David Rawnsley. The school was run through a corporate structure. That company, from 1961 to 1983, was V H Searles Limited, and then called Duncan Hall School Limited from 1983 to 1988. Girls were introduced to the school in 1979, although an advertisement for the school in 1982 makes no mention of girls. The motto was bene vivere disce, meaning ‘learn to live well’. Closure The school closed in 1986. The following year, Scratby Hall was Grade II listed. Scratby Hall suffered extensive fire damage in 1989, but was rebuilt, and has now been turned into apartments. Old Duncanians There is an active Old Duncanians Association. • Peter Jay, owner of The Hippodrome References Preparatory schools in Norfolk Borough of Great Yarmouth Educational institutions established in 1898 Educational institutions disestablished in 1986 1898 establishments in England