Recollections of Blaisdon Hall
Burwash
A FAMOUS BURWASH SALESIAN PAST PUPIL
LORD ST. JOHN STEVAS OF FAWLEY
FROM WIKIPEDIA:
St.John-Stevas was educated at two independent schools, St. Josephs Salesian School in Burwash, East Sussex, and then Ratcliffe College in Leicester. He then read law at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, graduating with first class honours. While at Cambridge, he was President of the Cambridge Union (1950) and won the Whitlock Prize.
He also studied at Christ Church, Oxford where he gained a BCL. While there, he was Secretary of the Oxford Union. He gained his PhD from London and a JSD from Yale. He also studied briefly for the Roman Catholic priesthood at the English College in Rome.
He was called to the Bar of the Middle Temple in 1952.
*****************************************************
I was invited to a book launch at St. Etheldreda's Church in Ely Place, London, earlier this week, by our Parish Priest, Fr. Nicholas Schofield. Fr. Nicholas is also the Archivist for the Westminster Arch-Diocese. This book launch was of a book written by Fr. Nicholas with the title; 'William Lockhart', sub-titled 'First Fruits of the Oxford Movement'. Lord St. John Stevas was the main speaker and he gave a wonderful background to the book. Lord St. John knew that background to the story intimately and was able to furnish us with most interesting anecdotes, interspersed, regularly, with a wit that got us all laughing. He heartily praised Fr Nicholas' work.
I found a moment to ask Lord St. John if I might introduce myself, which was graciously accepted. I told Lord St. John that I was a Salesian Past Pupil of Blaisdon Hall and that I believed he was a Past Pupil of the Salesian School at Burwash, with which had Blaisdon connections. He confirmed that he was and that he had been there for about two years. I did not wish to have the discourse to take too much of his time, so I then asked If I might take his photo so I could add it to the Burwash item on the Blaisdon Website. Again Lord St. John kindly agreed. This is the photo at the head of this item taken in an alcove of the Crypt of St. Etheldrdas, a magnificent old Rosminian Catholic Church. At the end of his talk Lord St. John generously stated that he was happy to meet anyone who wished to meet him. I was delighted to get a photo taken with him which is below. What a privilege this was for me.
TWO SALESIAN OLD BOYS
John Ward 22 July 2011
For those interested search ratcliffe-college for superb information on Lord St. John's other school . Interestingly , Blaisdon was originally intended to be a Co-educational school, but it never happened.
*****************************************************
I have always wondered just what Burwash was all about and made an enquiry of Father Pat Sherlock SDB, a Battersea Past Pupil, who is now the Provincial Secretary. I knew there was some connection with Blaisdon. Father Pat has come up trumps, with a most interesting reply to my inquisitiveness. John Ward.
I found this summary in the box for Burwash in our archives.
About 1880 the church was built as a private chapel by Madame Murietta of
Southover Hall. The porch was added at a much later period by the de Lacey
family of Burwash Place. A Father Cooney was installed as chaplain, residing in
the small presbytery built on to the church. The Catholic community was very
limited in numbers, mostly domestics of Madame. Family financial difficulties
led to withdrawal of Madame Murietta.
About 1896: As the church was not even remotely viable as a parochial unit the
church and presbytery were offered by Bishop Bourne, then Bishop of Southwark,
to the Salesians.
1st Novitiate period: From about 1900, the Salesian Novitiate began and
continued until 1921. During this time the Salesians looked after the spiritual
interests of the few Catholics of the district.
From 1921 to 1951: The Salesians conducted a boarding school. The church was
consecrated in 1929 by Archbishop Amigo and the Salesians continued to look
after the spiritual welfare of the people. Most building work was done during
this period and land acquired.
2nd Novitiate period: In 1951 St Joseph's reverted to its former status as
novitiate. During this period, in about 1963, the church of Mary Help of
Christians was built at Hurst Green on land donated by Lord Longford. The Church
of Christ the King was begun in Burwash village.
September 1966: Novitiate closed. St Joseph's was confined to parochial activity
only. In October 1968 Christ the King opened at Burwash.
A few additions of my own.
The school, from 1921 to 1951, was for the 'prep school' age range. Many
young Salesians taught there for a couple of years before their final studies
and ordination. One of the former pupils was Norman St John Stevas, now Baron St
John of Fawsley. Rudyard Kipling lived in Burwash village for much of his life
(but didn't go to the Salesian school!).
I hope this helps!
Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB (GBR Provincial Secretary)
Thorn Leigh Salesian House, Sharpies Park, Bolton BL1 6PQ
Tel: 01204 600 720 Fax: 01204 309 874
******************************************************************************************************
Norman Taylor tells me that Brother Alan Garman SDB was also at Burwash.
******************************************************************************************************
Yes I had heard that Bro. Alan had been at Burwash. In fact he seemed very keen on places beginning with "B" Born in Burmarsh in Kent, then Burwash, Blaisdon and Beckford. Hope he is well. Regards Chris Little
*******************************************************************************************************