Lillesden Hawkhurst
- 20 February 2012 14:48154600Long shot maybe, but then again I know what a diverse and interesting membership we have on Doverforum.
Did anyone go to school, work or spend time at Lillesden School for Girls in Hawkhurst? Bit of history - Lillesden house occupied what used to be known as the Lillesden Estate. Built in 1855 by banker Edward Loyd, the house remained in the family until the First World War when it was sold and became a girl's school. The school closed in 1999 and the building has been abandoned and deemed unsafe ever since due to the theft of the lead roof causing water ingress.
I have been lucky enough to photograph it and found it to be an amazing place (even in its current state.) I would love to hear some stories or recollections from anyone who went to school or worked there. - 20 February 2012 15:01154603BTW
Tombs and gravestones as well as other 'at risk' structures are getting attention though, which is a good thing...
http://www2.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=4031Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing. - Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
20 February 2012 16:32154617jeane,i am affraid i cant help you there,got expelled after a week.but serisly i havent heard of the school but heard of hawkhurst. - 20 February 2012 18:14154641Hi Jeane
I know of the school in question. My sister went to Bedgebury school and my family are from that neck of the woods. Its very sad to see it in such a poor state as in its day it was a lovely building. The same can be said of Wadhurst College another school gone derelict. Bedgebury school is up for sale and can be seen on rightmove. Now that is a grand looking building. - 20 February 2012 19:15154657Indeed Tom.
Brian.
David I wasn't sure until I checked but Lillesden School was also known as Bedgebury School. It was due to be auctioned last Thursday but it was withdrawn from auction the day before. The guide price was £1.5 - 2m. There is planning permission for apartments as I understand. It is an amazing building. - 20 February 2012 19:22154659Yes Jeane it was called Bedgebury but was called Bedgebury lower school. The main school was at Bedgebury and is still up for sale. It was last used as a language school or something like that.
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-18332784.html - 20 February 2012 19:25154660If I may [for my own convenience]...
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-18332784.html
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing. - 20 February 2012 20:27154669ohh jeane.. thats the new house i have been eyeing up for weeks..
erm.. i mean... No thats right. i wanted it.. did tell my business partner but it fell on deaf ears it would make a great wedding venue and store and a little pad for me..
well a girl can dream! - 20 February 2012 20:33154670Thanks for clarifying that David, not being a native I was confused. That too is a beautiful building. It's the lower school I am interested in then.
Sounds like a plan Jenni!