Kingsley 1954 To 1958

Hi john I went to Kingsley school the same years as you did 1954-1958 I grew up in Chelsea and lived in Elm Park gardens until I got married happy days in Chelsea going to the Chelsea swimming baths and the museum on a Saturday you may remember Valerie and her twin Tony knight who lived on cremorne estate flora Ryan and you may remember me June thorn

Hi, John, my elder brother and sister, Vera and John Collins both attended Kingsley around about the dates you mentioned. I have often heard them mention two teachers, Miss Brewer and Mr Jewer.

I attended Cook’s Ground starting as an “infant” on the girls’ side in 1941 entering from Old Church Street. We lived at Rectory Chambers next door to the gates. I was “freed” from Kinsley in 1949, exiting for the last time from the “Boys” side. (Dr. George Walsh was head master.) I got to work on a farm near Derby because there were no jobs for fifteen year olds in London. A year later I was able to immigrate to the United States. In August 2014 I made a nostalgic visit to my school in Chelsea to find that the BOYS, GIRLS/INFANTS gateway entirely missing! Venturing into the schoolyard with my camera I found a massive construction site. I was soon seen by a white hated “Arab” who ran up to me threatening to call the police if I did not retreat “immediately”. I protested that they were ruining my school but he insisted that it was neither a school nor was it mine!
I retreated down the street towards the embankment past buildings I was familiar with until I was surprised to find that More’s Chapel had been rebuilt. Until it was fenced the ruins were our playgrounds. Unfortunately the door was still locked so I could not see the new interior.
Bye the way, the number 34 tram ran down Beaufort St from the terminus at King’s Road. I took it to catch the train at Clapham Junction to Hinchely Wood. At that time Paulton's Square had buried air raid shelters and the in rest of the area there were "victory gardens". The cast iron railings were removed to make tanks, or something. Horse drawn wagons still delivered coal to holes in the sidewalks and other horse drawn wagons delivered wooden beer barrels to the "Pig's Ear" cellar. Next door, in front of my home, there was Macaulay's grocery. Adjacent to the school gates and in front of the pub was "Roma's" cafe. Before the war started a bloke on a bike lite the street's gas lights from a flame at the end of a pole.
Like OUR school, all gone now, sad.

Cheers, Paul

Love to hear from people that went to my old school - Kingsley !! I also remember both teachers, mentioned above, especially "Ma Brewer"!! The only teacher who kept the same clothes for the 4 years I spent at Kingsley.
My wife, Veronica (nee Kennedy) who is also a Chelsea girl - but not a Kingsley girl. She went to The London Oratory (Infants/juniors/ grammar) and has been in touch, over the years, with Tony Knight via e-mail, but she has not heard from him for over a year. Veronica also lived in Elm Park Gardens then move to Cremorne Estate, opposite Tony & Valerie Knight.
Happy days growing up in Chelsea - we had the best of times and easy access to Battersea park - another haven of delight !!
Regards, John Cronin

John Cronin,i remember that name!My name is Leonard Michael Harris,i was born in Elm Park Gardens in 1947,went to kingsley until 1962,joined the Royal Navy and travelled the world,wasnt tony knight a policeman?i knew his brother david who married betty mcminn,they both were at kingsley.Yes mrs (fat) Brewer always wore the same outfit!Mr jewer was the polish science teacher.Sports at barne elms in putney.Good days!

I was born in chelsea, seaton street near the worlds end pub went to parks walk school and then moved to fulham in 1954
B. Allen

Hi All,
I have just discovered this great site.
I too went to Kingsley - only for a short while before I dismissed myself to go to a girls only school in Ladbroke Grove which I liked the look of better. I was at Kingsley from about 1949 - 1951, I think. I lived in De Vere Mews.
My first day I recall clearly. We all lined up in forms and my friend, John Starkey who was in the fourth form, was told by a master to 'pick up your feet, boy!'. This he did, literally holding onto to each foot and lifting it off the ground. All the kids laughed and of course this made the teacher furious. John was swiftly caned thereafter and was warned against being a smart-arse!
Does anyone else remember how if you were late for school three times you got the cane? Miss Ciscley (is that the spelling?) attempted to punish me in this way and as she lifted the rod, her ring flew off. For the next 5 - 10 minutes I was told to search for it - which I did. I found it and, since she was so pleased, she let me off my caning. Phew! My timekeeping greatly improved after that.
A few years ago, my sister (Betty) and I went on a nostalgic visit to the school and like Paul were confronted by an officious Arab who made it abundantly clear that we were trespassing and not allowed on site. I managed to get a glimpse through the door and saw it had now become a Muslim school. We went away very upset and disappointed at our treatment.
I have been trying to look for my friend John Starkey who worked later for the BBC and ITV, but can't find him. We lost touch in about 1976. I would love to hear from him again so if anyone out there can help I would be so grateful. John was such a class clown that I am sure someone would remember him.

Hi there, looking for former pupils of Kinglsey who may have gone to school with my father circa 1954-ish to 1959-ish he mentions all the teachers from former posts. His name is Leslie Sewell of Sutton Dwellings, his best friend George Pryor, Charlie Stag, a Colin Pink? To name but a few. Would love to hear if anyone knows any of these names. Thank you
Rebecca Friend (nee Sewell)