Bracondale School

The former Bracondale School

Bracondale School was a private boys' school in the Bracondale area of Norwich, Norfolk. It existed from 1821 to 1993.

History[]

The school was opened in 1821,^[1] by DB Hickey.^[2] The school was sometimes known as Bracondale School for Boys.^[3]

Dr Francis Darkins Wheeler was the headmaster of Paragon House School, and he brought his boys from that school, taking over Bracondale.^[4] He was headmaster for 19 years; a street (Wheeler Road) on the Miles Cross Estate is named after him. A later headmaster was Frederick E Scott.^[5] The headmaster until 1985 was Dr. Donald Cole.^[6] The final headmaster was Denzil Gaudoin (1985-1993).^[7]

The school's aims and objectives were "To produce happy and decent young gentlemen who do their best, and have consideration for the welfare and feelings of others".^[8] Pupils were known as Bracondolians, and Peppermint Boys, from the colour of their caps.^[9] The school had its own scout group (33rd Norwich).^{[10] [11]}

Closure[]

The school ran out of money, and closed suddenly in 1993.^[12]

The school building was Grade II listed in 1972.^[13] The list entry makes it clear that the school building was originally a house.

The school is now housing, part of a Norwich Housing Society estate built in 1999.^[14] The school's war memorial remains in the main school building.^[15]

Old Boys[]

Notable old boys include:

• Donald Cunnell, WWI flying ace.^[16]
• Bill Edrich, test cricketer^[17]
• Eric Edrich, first-class cricketer^[18]
• Geoff Edrich, first-class cricketer^[19]
• John Edrich, test cricketer
• Ralph Hale Mottram, writer and Lord Mayor of Norwich^[20]
• George Skipper, architect
• Harold Theobald, cricketer and footballer

There is a Bracondale School Association;^[21] when the school was still operational there was a Bracondale School Old Boys' Union.^[22]

Further reading[]

References[]

 WikiMiniAtlas

Coordinates: 52°37′12″N 1°18′13″E / 52.620131°N 1.3036783°E / 52.620131; 1.3036783