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St Mark's School, Manor Road

Dragon from St Mark's school, Manor Road

Photo scanned from author's personal collection

The school's bell tower preserved

by Tricia Leonard

Having started life in Sussex Square in 1845, St Mark's School moved to Chesham Road in 1856 and then to Arundel Road in 1896. In 1972, St Mark's School moved to Manor Road and the Arundel Road site was demolished in 1983.

Preservation of the school bell tower
The school's bell tower was preserved as the distinctive feature of the Bell Tower Industrial Estate which was developed on the site. When St Mark's School was being demolished, George Horrobin was on site looking for memorabilia and the vicar gave him permission to take the dragon. It remained in his garden in Wilson Avenue for about ten years before being returned to the new school in Manor Road.

Historical information from the Encyclopaedia of Brighton by Tim Carder, 1990

Sent to the website via the contribution form on 28-10-03

This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments:

I was at St Mark's in Arundel Road 1940/41 to 1944(?) when it was damaged by bombing and we were transferred to Whitehawk Secondary. I was then briefly at Rottingdean School before moving to Kemp Town, a short time at St Joseph's Catholic School then back to re-opened St Mark's for final terms in Mr Dutton's class, a great teacher. I've had no contact with St Mark's people since then and wonder if Nigel Birch, Marion Stevens, Leslie Watts, Ron Radford or others are around and may view this site? Thanks for statue data.

By John Sullivan (03/01/2004)

I started at St Mark's School, Arundel Road, at the age of 5 back in 1936. Miss Redditch was the head mistress at that time and I stayed there until I went to the intermediate school aged 11. I lived in Maresfield Road until 1951.

By Pam Patchen (nee Smith) (09/01/2005)

I lived at 12 Manor Way with my Mum and Dad and joined St. Mark's in 1936 and left in 1939 to go to Varndean Secondary School. I remember Miss Redditch, Headmistress, as an extremely competent lady with a keen interest in all her children. I have a class photograph from 1936 and can put a name to some faces: Eric Kennett, Ray McFarlane, Connell McKinstry, Eileen Eaves---- but I'm afraid time is not kind to the memory cells.

By Bert Nelson (14/06/2005)

I attended St. Mark's on Arundel Road in 1977-78 (yes, it was still operating for older children; my younger sister went to the Manor Road School) when we lived in Rugby Place. We were an American family in the UK for a year, and I was 10. I had a wonderful year there. Teachers I remember are Mrs. Chuter, Mrs. Fishop and Mr. Green.

By Kendall Kennison (08/12/2005)

My grandmother was Assistant Mistress in 1928, her name was Gertrude May Canton. I thought it was a girls' school.

By Jan Finnis (08/07/2006)

I have a Class Prize book of July 1874, given to H. A. Powell "honoris causa" at Field House, later owned by A. Carlton Ambler, and the book has "Rottingdean" imprinted in gold as part of the handsome leather binding.

By David (in California) (26/01/2007)

Bert Nelson: my wife's uncle is Eric Kennett and he remembers you and others. He has lots of memories and would be happy to share them. Email me at zephyrin.bennett@btinternet.com

By Terry Bennett (06/01/2008)

I was at St Mark's School from 1950 until 1957 and remember just a few of the fellow pupils - Michael Penfold, who lived next door to me at 34 Manor Way, Geoffry Page, Michael Atkins, Sandra Cope. The headmaster was Mr Pinchin; I seem to remember we nicknamed him 'Percy'. One of the teachers was Mrs Knight and I remember well Mr Green.

By John Wellard (29/07/2008)

I attended St Marks from approx. 1946 to 1950 and well remember Mr Pinchin who read to us 'Wind in the Willows' and Rodney Stone, wonderful days.

By Allan Avery (30/07/2008)