Abbey Gate College
Saighton Grange was the principal country house of the Abbots of Chester. The only part of the medieval building which remains today is the gatehouse. Erected by Abbot Simon Ripley in 1490. His badge, a wolfs head, is carved at the base of the oriel window.
The manor has passed through many hands and has evolved over the centuries. The gatehouse has now became the porch to an entirely Victorian house.
Visitors enter an airy galleried room in the Regency style. To the left are two big Ionic doorcases with fluted half-columns, and directly ahead is an elegant semi-circular staircase illuminated by a shallow domed lantern.
A tower room has a painted beam bearing the motto Tu ne cede ma/is sed contra audentior Ito. This Victorian sentiment. 'Do not give way to difficulties but rather strive on boldly', forms the motto of the school which now uses the house.
