Copthorne, The Old Tea House c.1955
Photo ref: C422009F
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Photo ref: C422009F
Photo of Copthorne, The Old Tea House c.1955

A Selection of Memories from Copthorne

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Copthorne

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

Hello, hope you are all well. My name is Carlos Lovett Linares (then Carlitos Linares Rana). I also attended Copthorne from 1961 to 1967. I have so many happy fond memories. I visited the School back in 2001 with my dear Mother and wife. The School had closed to boarders back in 1994 but we were able to meet some of the sisters again including Sr Philomena :). I went back a year ago and ...see more
In my book I write about my experience with the cold, harsh nuns. Not a nice place for me and many others.
Hi all, I attended the convent from 1956 to 1959 and my Christian name then was Joseph. How well I remember Strs Annunciata, Bonaventure, Ignatius, and Claire. Annunciata (the 'farter' as we called her behind her back) was a little too strict for the boys liking as she was in charge of the boys' section. Strs Ignatius, Claire, and Bonaventure were very warm loving characters. Str. Bonaventure and I had one thing in ...see more
Came across this picture of the Franscican convent. I went there as a boarder as a 4 year old and still shudder at the awful memories I had. Brutal nuns, punishments with a bamboo cane. Hanging out wet sheets on cold mornings. Forced fed greens and cabbage, no hugs whatsoever. Nasty place with nasty memories. Nasty nuns with irish accents. I ran away a couple of times. Ridiculous catholic superstitions. Left when I was 11. ...see more