THE STORY OF COWBRIDGE SCHOOL, HERTFORD: 1915-1953

 

 

In last year’s journal I traced the story of Cowbridge School from its foundation in 1863 up to 1915. The school was located in Dimsdale Street, to the rear of the Congregational Church in Cowbridge, and was originally built for 160 juniors and 44 infants. By 1913 the number of pupils had increased overall by 26% and as a consequence the school was very overcrowded. The situation was resolved by the building of a new school at Port Vale, which was opened on 13 April 1915 after the Easter holiday. The boys thereupon transferred to the new school, while the girls and infants remained at Cowbridge School. This article, based primarily upon the school log books, provides an insight into the life of Cowbridge School from its reorganisation in 1915 to its closure in 1943.

Under the reorganisation of 1915, the Cowbridge and Port Vale Schools became separate entities. The former head of Cowbridge School, Walter Turpin, became headmaster of Port Vale Boys’ School, while Cowbridge School now acquired a new headmistress, Miss Agnes Stuart Lethem.

Agnes Lethem gives a pen portrait of the lady.

Cowbridge School under Agnes Lethem, 1915-23 covers the thirteen years when Miss Lethem was Mistress of the school.

Miss Edith Maud Bradbeer gives a pen portrait of the lady.

Cowbridge School under Edith Bradbeer, 1923-29 covers the first seven years of Miss Bradbeer tenure at the school.

Cowbridge School under Edith Bradbeer, 1929-53 covers the remainder of Miss Bradbeer tenure at the school.

Sources of Reference:

Manuscript:

Cowbridge School Log Book, Hertfordshire Archives & Local Studies

Printed:

Ashby, M. (ed.) 2014 Weston School Records, 1876-1914 Hertford

Green, L. 1999 Educating Hertford – An Account of the Evolution of State Schools

in the Town Hertford

Newspapers:

Hertfordshire Mercury