William Adams was born in Newport but became a wealthy London Haberdasher. In 1656 he founded the Free Grammar School in his native town, endowed it well and appointed the Master and Wardens of the Haberdashers' Company to govern it. This entertaining new book follows the fortunes of the school through periods of success, scandal, conflict and uncertainty, including its relations with the Haberdashers and with Shropshire County Council. Well-researched and illustrated, the book will appeal beyond the Shropshire/Staffordshire borders.