Letters 2005

Anthony C Plowman

Dear Editor,

Re: Clayesmore School (Early Years)

I was most interested in reading a book, namely:- ‘Clayesmore – A School History’, by an ex-master at the school: David Spinney.

What I found of interest is that the school, I found out from the local Enfield Library archives/records (London Borough of Enfield) in Enfield Town, where I work, commenced here in Enfield. What is of interest in David Spinney’s book, is a print of the premier Clayesmore, and a photograph of pupils at the school at the turn of the century. Now I don’t know if the Society has further details about the first school location, from the Enfield Archives and records Department, if not, maybe you would like to include the following information in a future Old Clayesmorian Newsletter. The actual location in Enfield of the school was in Clay Hill, (Nr Whitewebbs Golf Course and Crews Hill Golf Course). As we know, Mr Alex Devine was headmaster of the school. The school was demolished in 1930. However in the same area there exists a building known as ‘Clayesmore Lodge’ near the site of the original school. It’s interesting to know that the school had a large intake of pupils from Latin America.

The pupils were recorded from Local Borough records in the National Census of 1901.

‘Salisbury House’ in Edmonton, in North London is also connected to Mr Devine, close to the Rose and Crown public house, I believe

I do hope you will find the information I’ve surveyed about the school, during this era, of some historical interest. If so, please kindly acknowledge this detailed outline of the past history.

I look forward to hearing from the Society as I take a deep historical interest in the school.

Yours faithfully

Anthony C. Plowman(CPS)

Ex pupil (1950’s) at Clayesmore Preparatory School, Charlton Marshall, Blandford Forum (Trueloves House.- Housemaster: Mr Glazebrook. - Headmaster: Mr R. Everett.