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The Community Centre is a Grade II listed building[1]. It was originally the Village School, founded in 1719 by Christopher Coleman, of Combeway House, Radway.

Further classrooms were added over the years but eventually the school moved to new premises in Cockhaven Close in 1973.
A successful campaign to ‘Save our School’ started in 1979 and resulted in the building becoming The Community Centre and Museum. The Museum has now closed but lives on as the Bishopsteignton Heritage Hub in the Wilson Room of the Community Centre and through its website.

1726 – 1928

The oldest part of the school, built in 1726, was a charity school, with Christopher Coleman providing free places for 20 village children.

The school was extended in 1850, 1876 and 1923 and these dates can be seen above the doors of the building.

The 1923 classroom is understood to be converted from the old stable block belonging to Cross House.

From 1888 to 1928 the Headteacher was Clifford Wallis. He married his assistant teacher, Eleanor Swain, who continued to teach at the school after having her children. The family were actively involved in village life, starting a school band and football team.

Bishopsteignton School Band 1905

Find out more about life at the school during World War I here.

1929 – 1973

The years between 1929 and 1947 are not well documented but from 1948 to 1959 there begin to be photographs of each class, taken in the playground.

Mr William Holmes was the last Headteacher at the school and oversaw the move to the new school in Cockhaven Close in 1973.

Photograph of Bishopsteignton School Class Photo 1948
Mounted Photograph of Bishopsteignton School Class Photo 1956
1973 – present

 

Newspaper Clipping on Bishopsteignton School, Community Centre
Newspaper Clipping on Bishopsteignton Community Centre Fundraising
Bishopsteignton Community Centre 2021

Over the years the Community Centre has been home to a myriad of village events, clubs and activities and this continues to the present day.

References