Resources

Resources

Tools for Research, Learning, and Connection

This section provides resources for anyone wanting to explore Clare House history more deeply – whether you’re a former pupil seeking information, a researcher studying local educational history, a family member tracing connections, or simply someone curious about this vanished Beckenham institution.

From timelines to downloadable documents, from research guides to contact information, these resources support understanding and preserving Clare House Preparatory School’s legacy.

Timeline

Key Dates in Clare House History

1895 – Construction begins on new school buildings in Oakwood Avenue

1896 – George Philbrick opens Clare House School, named after his Cambridge college

1897 – Gymnasium completed (date stone erected)

c.1920s – George Philbrick dies; school passes to consortium management

1930s – Robin Gladstone purchases goodwill of Clare House; appoints Cyril Crump as Headmaster

1936 – John Hodges joins as Assistant Master

1938 – Seven new classrooms built; school at peak pre-war success

September 1939 – War declared; evacuation planning begins

1940 – Brief evacuation to Woolacombe, Devon; then permanent move to Ashurst Wood, Sussex

Christmas 1940 – Beckenham premises close; buildings requisitioned by military

1943-1949 – Michael Miller and Simon Bowen attend (wartime generation whose detailed memories survive)

May 8, 1945 – VE Day celebrated with walk and picnic to Hammerwood

1946 – Ministry of Works vacates Beckenham buildings; restoration begins

1947 – Clare House reopens in Beckenham with two classes under Major Hodges

Throughout 1950s – Gradual rebuilding and improvement; return to full capacity

1958 – Fees set at 33 Guineas per term; school enrollment at 140 pupils

April 1962 – Robin Gladstone dies

1962-1965 – Peter Barclay-Jones attends

1962-1968 – Richard Grant attends

Late 1960s – School operating successfully at full capacity

1969 – Abbey and Clare House Company faces financial crisis; Abbey School closes July 1969

January 1970 – Parents informed Clare House will close in July

July 23, 1970 – Final Sports Day – last official school day

August 5, 1970 – Auction disperses school contents

Spring-Autumn 1971 – Buildings demolished; site cleared

1972 – Foundations laid for new state primary school

1976 – Clare House Primary School opens on site

2000-2001 – Peter Barclay-Jones begins historical research; interviews Major Hodges (June 2001)

October 12, 2002 – First reunion; Clare House Association formally established

December 20, 2003 – Major John Hodges dies, age 92

January 6, 2004 – Major Hodges’ funeral attended by association members

October 6, 2007 – Second reunion at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, London

2015 – Clare House Primary School rebuilt on former playing fields

Present – Clare House Association continues preserving history through website and reunions

Interactive Timeline

[If website capability allows, this could be an interactive visual timeline with clickable dates revealing more information, images, and context for each period]

Downloadable Documents

Historical Documents

School Records:

Newspaper Coverage:

Association Documents:

Memoirs and Recollections:

Maps and Plans:

All downloadable materials are provided for personal, educational, and research purposes. Please respect copyright and attribution requirements.

Research Guide

For Those Researching Clare House History

Local Archives:

Bromley Local Studies Library Central Library High Street Bromley BR1 1EX

The National Archives Kew, Richmond Surrey TW9 4DU

British Newspaper Archive

Beckenham Historical Society

Online Resources:

Beckenham History Website Website: beckenhamhistory.co.uk

Grace’s Guide to British Industrial History

Ancestry.co.uk / FindMyPast.co.uk

Family History Research:

Bibliography

Published Sources

Books:

“Beckenham” by Dr. Eric R. Inman and Nancy Tonkin
Phillimore & Co Ltd., 2002
ISBN: 1-86077-206-4
Contains photograph and reference to Clare House Preparatory School

“A History of Beckenham” [PDF]
Beckenham Place Park Friends Available: beckenhamplaceparkfriends.org.uk

Articles and Papers:

Online Sources:

Unpublished Sources:

External Links

Related Organizations and Resources

Current Clare House Primary School Website: [current primary school website]

Beckenham Historical Society Website: beckenham-historical-association.org

Beckenham Photographic Society Website: beckenhamphotosoc.org.uk

The Abbey School Alumni [If an Abbey School website or organization exists, link here]

Preparatory Schools Information about the preparatory school system in Britain:

Local History Resources:

How to Use These Resources

For Former Pupils:

Looking for specific information?

Trying to find fellow alumni?

Want to contribute?

For Researchers:

Academic or historical research:

Family history:

Local history:

For General Interest:

Learning about Clare House:

Understanding the era:

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: Where exactly was Clare House located? A: Oakwood Avenue at the junction with Overbury Avenue, Beckenham, Kent. The site is now occupied by Clare House Primary School (rebuilt 2015 on former playing fields).

Q: When did Clare House operate? A: 1896-1970 (74 years), with wartime relocation to Ashurst Wood, Sussex (1940-1946).

Q: Why did it close? A: Financial crisis at the Abbey and Clare House Company Limited led to closure of both schools despite Clare House’s local success.

Q: Are any buildings still standing? A: No. All original buildings were demolished in 1971. The Ashurst Wood estate buildings survive as residential flats.

Q: What happened to school records? A: Most were not preserved at closure. Some documents survive in local archives, private collections, and Association holdings.

For Alumni

Q: How can I find former classmates? A: Contact the Association, attend reunions, check the website for any contact lists (privacy protected).

Q: Can I visit the old site? A: The current Clare House Primary School occupies the general area. Visits should be arranged respectfully, understanding it’s an active school.

Q: Do school records exist with my name? A: Limited records survive. Scholarship lists (1901-1962) and some group photographs exist. Contact the Association.

Q: Can I obtain copies of photographs? A: Many photographs available through the Gallery. Contact Association for high-resolution copies or specific images.

For Researchers

Q: Are school archives available? A: No comprehensive archive exists. Materials are scattered among local libraries, private collections, and Association holdings.

Q: Can I interview former pupils? A: Contact the Association to inquire about connecting with alumni willing to participate in research.

Q: What copyright applies to materials? A: Varies by item. Contact Association for permissions regarding specific materials.

Digital Archive Project

Preserving Clare House Digitally

The Clare House Association is committed to digitally preserving all surviving materials:

Current holdings include:

Ongoing digitization:

How you can help:

Oral History Project

Recording Living Memories

As alumni age, living memory of Clare House diminishes. The Association seeks to record:

Interview Topics:

Participation:

Contact the Association if you’re willing to share your memories for preservation.

Academic Research

Clare House as Historical Subject

Clare House offers research opportunities in:

Educational History:

Local History:

Social History:

Business History:

The Association welcomes academic researchers and can provide access to materials, alumni contacts (with permission), and support for legitimate research projects.

Supporting the Association

How Resources Are Maintained

The Clare House Association is:

Ways to support:

All support ensures Clare House history remains preserved and accessible.

Updates and Additions

This Resources section is regularly updated as:

Check back regularly for new additions to:

Suggest additions: If you know of resources not listed here, please contact the Association.

Contact for Research Inquiries

For questions about resources, access to materials, research permissions, or other inquiries:

Clare House Preparatory School Association [Contact email] [Contact form link]

We aim to respond to all serious research inquiries and assist where possible in preserving and sharing Clare House history.

These resources exist to serve anyone interested in Clare House Preparatory School – whether personal connection or scholarly interest. Use them freely, contribute what you can, and help ensure this history remains alive and accessible.

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