Gulson House, Hawkesyard School, Rugeley

Description:A postcard view of Gulson House which is thought to have been named after Helen Gulson, one of the benefactors of the Hawkesyard Estate. Miss Gulson had been given a life interest in the nearby mansion of Hawkesyard Park, later known as Spode House. However, she preferred to live in a smaller house in the gardens of the estate. Miss Gulson died in 1911.

In the 1950s the centre part of the School House was occupied by the Headmaster, Mr Patton and around the same time the right-hand part of the building was occupied by the Head Gardener, Mr Ellis Walker.

Over the years the nearby mansion separately from the priory buildings became a Dominican Preparatory School and later it was occupied by a succession of different schools. Around 1954 the building was refurbished and became a conference centre and Retreat House known as Spode House. Later still the building formed part of the Hawkesyard Estate which included a restaurant, Golf Club, Conference Centre, Wedding Venue and most of the Priory buildings became a Nursing Home.

This postcard was photographed and published by Marshall Keene & Co Works, Hove, Sussex and it was printed in England.