Sandrock Hall

From Historical Hastings

Sandrock Hall
General information
Address361 The Ridge
Location
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Originaly built as a residence for Baroness Von Roemer, Sandrock Hall was built around 1868 but not being large enough for the requirements of a subsequent owner in 1880, was considerably increased by the addition on the ground-floor of new kitchens and a drawing-room measuring 32ft. by 21ft. The works were carried out under the superintendence of the architect, Mr. Murray, of Hastings, by Messrs. Howell and Son, builders[1].

Following the deaths of Miss Hastings Burlton and Miss C. E. Dick Lowe (who had been resident in the property since at least 1899[2]) in 1909 and 1914 respectively, the buildings and contents were placed on the market[3][4]. The two ladies were well-known in the town for their support of charitable causes.

The Rev. G. A. Scott was listed as making some alterations to the building in 1919[5], leading to the building becoming the Sandrock Hall Preparatory School for Boys in the early 1920s under his tutelage[6]. A number of further extensions to form a vestry and classrooms occurred in 1929 and 1925 respectively[7][8].

Following WW2, in 1948, a change of use application was lodged to utilise the building as a boarding and ballet school[9]. In 1951, land and buildings were purchased from Charles Douglas of 30 Warrior Square to extend the physical training facilities of the school[10].

Later, the building was used as a school around the 1960s run by a particularly devout order of Salesian nuns[11].

Find of Roman Coin

A coin of Maximinus II, dating from AD 270 - 313 was found in the grounds of the building during 1936[12].

Images

References & Notes

  1. The Building News, September 17th 1880.
  2. Kelly's Directory 1899
  3. British Newspaper Archive Hastings & St. Leonards Observer 16 May 1914 Pg. 0007
  4. British Newspaper Archive Hastings & St. Leonards Observer 27 February 1909 Pg. 0009
  5. British Newspaper Archive Hastings & St. Leonards Observer 8 November 1919 Pg. 0008
  6. British Newspaper Archive Hastings & St. Leonards Observer 29 November 1919 Pg. 0009
  7. East Sussex County Council Archive The Keep DH/C/6/1/10505
  8. East Sussex County Council Archive The Keep DH/C/6/1/9636
  9. East Sussex County Council Archive The Keep DH/C/40/1948/294
  10. East Sussex County Council Archive The Keep DH/B/83/443
  11. Hastings Forum: Boarding Schools/on the the ridge or old london road - Hastings Forum, accessdate: 11 December 2019
  12. East Sussex County Council Archive The Keep MES839