Stanhope Castle School
I have read the memories of this school with tears in my eyes. I am 72 years of age, and I was sent there in 1948. If the Mr Bowls was the same man I met, then God help him, I still carry the hate for this man in my heart, he was the most evil man, the only thing I have or ever will hate. If anyone reads this who was there in 1948-51 they will remember me. I was made to carry a pair of size ten boots every day and every hour of the day, I even had to take them to bed with me, for nearly 9 months. That man was pure evil to me. I could go on and tell the real stories about that school. By the way, I only stole 2 pounds 62 pence.
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11 comments have been shared so far in response to the memory "Stanhope Castle School".
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Comments
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
You are one of the old boys, I can imagine things being far worse in those days, although for what happened to me I have forgivness in my heart, although the memories are there. I did not know Mr Bowls, I was there from 1975 until school leaving age in 1977. Feel free to email me anytime. ian.
Comment from Ian Lambert on Saturday, 13th February 2010.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
Hi, I was Stanhope Castle School from 1951 till September 1955, what went on in that school was shameful and disgraceful, in fact I will go further than that and say it was outrageous. Bowls the big bully and his gang which was Maddison, Jones, Wheeler, Pearson, for what they did to little children they should have been in court to answer for their crimes. I know boys who now are men, some in their seventies, have tried to get their files but have been refused. If everything was above board what have they to fear? Well I can tell anyone who suffered at the hands of Bowls and his gang that they are all dead. I cannot forget and cannot and will not forgive. I was 11 years old when Bowls give me six of the best. My backside was black and blue. This happened many times. I was beaten up by Maddison, Pearson, Wheeler and Jones. I have seen things happen to little boys which I should never have seen. Grown men grabbing boys by the ears and banging their heads against the wall. I could go on. Like I say, they are all dead but they will not rest. Thoughts are living things and I hate them with a vengeance. My email is: roberthendi@yahoo.com
Comment from Robert Henderson on Saturday, 6th August 2011.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
I clearly remember Peter Hanson who slept in the same dorm, as I also remember deputy headmaster Mr Williams who in my opinion was a sadist but I never ever witnessed any kind of abuse or cruelty whilst I was there from 1945-50.
Comment from Victor Bates on Sunday, 17th July 2011.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
I must say again that my memories of Stanhope Castle School and Mr Bowles are entirely at odds with accounts recalled by others, Mr Bowles was a perfect gentleman, firm but fair.
Comment from Victor Bates on Sunday, 17th July 2011.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
Note to Herbert Brayshaw, yes I remember you well, I was there 1950-1953. Unlike other lads I can honestly say I did not encounter any ill treatment from J D Bowles, you crossed him at your peril though. I can remember also Mr Williams, Mr Jones, both Mr Pearts, Mr Madison, Mr McTavish, Mr Ridley. Mary Bowles was matron and they had a daughter called Mary. Discipline was strict but fair and we had 3 cooked meals a day. I did once get 6 of the best from J D Bowles once, I can feel it to this day. Hey, 60 years, where did it go? Good luck to you all.
Comment from William Liddell on Tuesday, 14th December 2010.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
Write, Davey Elliot, I have tried all ways to get in contact mate, email me again bud or Facebook me on wor lasses page (Theresa Maria Lough), ok pal? Good tohear from you pal, we had some laughs when we sloped off all the time lol...
Comment from Martin Lough on Thursday, 18th November 2010.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
David Elliott 1978 - 1981, I hated the place. If you had skids in your fronts you had to scrub them in the courtyard to punish you. You had to eat in silence. I was in Horsley first then Budley. I ran away so often but never made it to 'Boro, I kept trying for nearly 4 years. You guys were there well before me. Mr Melody was head, Mr Proud was senier & Mr Haley.
Comment from David Elliott on Saturday, 9th October 2010.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
I am looking for anyone that was at this school from 1947 untill 1955, even just your last name and house name. If you know anyone, just let them know about this site. Many thanks.
Comment from Herbert Brayshaw on Monday, 13th September 2010.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
Hi It's so sad to hear these comments. My father was sent there in 1949 till 1953 for taking the rap for his brothers stealing something. This haunted him all of his life. Does anyone remember Stan Harrision from Jarrow who was there for 4 years? Any info or comments would be really wonderful for me as he rarely talked about his time there.
Comment from Gary Harrison on Friday, 10th September 2010.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
My dad remembers Mr Bowls. My dad is 72, he was sent Stanhope School in 1950 or 1951. I can honestly say his time there has had a massively horrible effect on him to this day. The abuse that went on there was despicable and criminal. I will update at a later date when he feels he can talk about it some more. My dad only stole some lemonade bottles.
Comment from Hannah Johnson on Monday, 24th May 2010.
RE: RE: Stanhope Castle School
I have often sat and wondered how many of the boys that was there in the 1940s and 1950s went on in life, how many went on to Borstal and on to prisons? Just how long did it take to get it out of their system, just how far did they go down life's road before it got straight? They say you cant turn back the clock, true, so very true, but your past is always with you deep within your heart and soul, and you ask WHY WHY WHY HOW HOW HOW and WHO let it go on.
Comment from Herbert Brayshaw on Monday, 15th August 2011.