Pengwern College, Cheltenham

[Daveys History]

Hi Edith May.

I've had a reply from Glos Archives but sadly not of much use.

They only seem to have records relating to the conversion of the buildings
(from 1938) ie. details of the building contract awarded - nothing on
the history of the premises as a college.

They say that in 1938 they as such didn't actually exist so, would not have been the
recipient of any donated documentation of the institution at that time.

I've tried looking "locally" at the Cheltenham Family History site but can't see any
evidence there either, of the type of paperwork we are looking for.

On the 1911 census, Mary Pearson aged 46 and husband Reginald aged 39
are shown as married 11 years with no children so, the absence of any family
of their own would explain why the business wasn't "handed down" - but
ceased (circa 1938). Consequently therefore, there may not have been anyone
to even "accidentally keep" the books, let alone appreciate them.

Sadly back then, there was little tendency to value this type of documention -
within my own family, similar records in respect of a closed business have not
survived - not thought of as worth keeping and most likely incinerated !!

Can't think of any other avenues to follow but, I'll keep this post open in
case anyone out there can enlarge further.

Regards

David
 

[Edith May]

Hi David.

Thanks very much for your information. I have phoned Gloucester Library and was referred to their archive department, which I in turn also phoned. They referred me to the web site, which I had already explored some months ago. However, the lady on the end of the phone suggested sending an e mail to their 'help' line. I have done this and requested if they have any suggestions of what to do next. Maybe they will advise something other than that which I have already tried.

I down loaded the full details of the 1911 census and found it quite interesting, even these details confirmed what I had been advised about the school. Have you sighted the videos of  girls skipping and girls deportment lessons, both available on googling Pengwern College.

It is quite important to me to locate the pupil list so I will keep trying. Will contact you if I have any success.

Many thanks,
Edith May

[John Cordwell]

My great uncle, William Cordwell was a described as a gardener at the College in the 1921 census.