Pantasaph, St Clare's Convent c.1940
Photo ref: P193059
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More about this scene

A sombre and rather depressing view of this large and complex set of 19th- century buildings mirrors the sad decline in its fortunes - falling numbers led it into disuse. Five hundred orphan children once lived within its care. It is now being rehabilitated and redeveloped, and commercial pragmatism has swayed the local authority in its favour after a 12-year battle with local groups who sought to retain its spiritual and architectural identity.

A Selection of Memories from Pantasaph

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 Pantasaph

Sparked a Memory for you?

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

Asking on behalf of my mother who attended the convent with her sister until she left aged 8 in 1947, if there is anyway of obtaining school records? Does anyone know how I can obtain any information on this. Thanks so much
Hi , I am writing this on behalf of my Mum, Patricia Helen Harrison , she was 7 when she attended here ‘46 to ‘49, and thinks was there for about 3 years. She recalls the Monastery over the road and she thinks there was a Sister Theresa. We would love to hear from anyone that has any information for this era or if anyone recalls my mum. Just trying to piece together her early years. Stay Safe, Dave
My maternal grandmother, Mary,(7) and her sister, Agnes(2) were sent to St Clare's in Pantasaph after the death of their father. She remembered having to wait on the day girls and was very conscious of having been a' charity case'. She didn't have fond memories of the place. Does anyone know if it is possible to see records of the inmates going back that far?
Hello Pauline, I was a boarder here from 1953 to 1955, just wondering when the name was changed to St Clare’s ? I don’t remember your name or your sister. I was known as Veronica Meyers, was taken very ill whilst a boarder with Rheumatic Fever, so, spent a long time in the infirmary which was right up at the top of the building, was often served horrible fried bread to eat which I more.often than not ...see more