Dean Close School Historic Tours
Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6HE
The tour will concentrate on the Senior School buildings which date back to 1886 when Dean Close Memorial School, an evangelical educational establishment, first opened. Named after the Very Reverend Francis Close, a prominent figure in the history of Cheltenham, the Christian faith remains an important aspect of the school ethos today. The School quickly grew in numbers and increased in size, but its story does not only encompass success and endurance, but also adversity. Through the sacrifices and losses of the two World Wars, the financial difficulties of the 1940s, to the introduction of girls in 1968, the School has an interesting story to tell. The tour will take in the original Headmaster's House, the Old School Room and Chapel, as well as some of the more modern features including the Poppy Cloister, Theatre and Dining Hall.
Tours will depart from the main school reception and take approximately one hour. Following the tour, tea and cake will be served.
Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6HE
There are a few locations which are unable to easily accommodate wheelchairs, however, alternative arrangements can be made. Please contact the school in advance and every effort will be made to facilitate access to most of the tour sites. A large amount of the tour takes place outside so be prepared for the weather. There is little to interest young children on the tour.
Parking is available on Shelburne Road, or alternatively, go to the bottom of Shelburne Road and turn right at the double mini roundabout on to Hatherley Road. Follow the boundary of the school and very shortly, before the driveway signposted as the Bacon Theatre, there is a gate in the hedge which leads onto a field for parking. You come across the gate very quickly as it is obscured by the bush. Once parked, leave through the top right exit back onto Shelburne Road and walk up to the main school reception where we will meet you.