THE memorial staircase, the chained library and the “yardstick” are three of the schoolday memories being shared to celebrate one of Lancashire’s oldest schools.

Bolton School is preparing to mark two landmark anniversaries.

It will be 100 years in April, 2015, since the creation of the Bolton School Foundation and its location on its current site in Chorley New Road.

And in 2016, Bolton School will be 500 years old.

As part of the celebrations, old girls and boys were asked to nominate the objects or memories, which typify their Bolton School “experience”.

The 100 most popular nominations included the chained library, the centre arch and school tower, the memorial staircase and the yardstick, which was used for measuring the distance between boys and girls when lining up for class and the length of girls’ skirts.

Next year a vote will be held to select the 10 objects which best illustrate life at the school.

But before then, the school wants former pupils to share their memories and archive material about the objects which will feature in a Memory Book.

Sue Hincks, headmistress of Bolton School Girls’ Division, said: “We are very well aware when we meet old girls and boys that they have an enormous affection for the school and a wonderful fund of stories about their time here. As part of our 100 and 500 year anniversary celebrations, we wanted to capture this oral history so it is not forgotten. The 100 objects idea is a great way of capturing the imagination and getting people to think about their schools days. All last year at reunion events and online we asked former pupils for ideas and now, having got the final 100 objects, we will record stories, capture pictures and write about them in the build up to a final vote.”

Philip Britton, headmaster of the Boys’ Division, said: “We will hold a number of high profile events to celebrate this quincentenary and we will work in partnership with other local schools and the museum service to make the celebration of 500 years of Bolton School also a celebration of 500 years of education in Bolton.”

Former pupils and students who would like to share their memories either by writing a piece for the book or by being interviewed or have any photographs of items or actual items should contact the school.