The Cawthorn, ‘a superb new space’ for staff, links Tonbridge past and present 

The Cawthorn, a newly refurbished space for teaching and support staff at the School, received its official opening on Wednesday 21 February.

The building, which until recently was known as the Cawthorn Lecture Theatre, now functions as the Common Room and is an area in which staff can come together to share knowledge, ideas and experience.

The previous Common Room, located within the centre of the School, will be transformed into two large classrooms and other learning spaces, in readiness for the start of the next academic year in September.

The project has involved restoration of many of the building’s original features, including stained-glass windows and intricate stonework, and will provide an attractive venue for a range of School events and activities in the future.

Originally built in the mid-nineteenth century as the first dedicated Chapel at Tonbridge, it is named after Reverend James Cawthorn, who was the School’s Headmaster between 1743 and 1761.

A passionate advocate for learning and the arts, he created what became known as Skinners’ Library and was a renowned poet in his own right. Cawthorn was an inspiration to many of his pupils, including William Woodfall, whose prodigious powers of memory led to him becoming ‘the father of parliamentary writing’, and George Austen, father of novelist Jane, who returned to Tonbridge as Second Master.

Members of the Cawthorne family were among the special guests at the official opening. They were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr James Lark and Mrs Jill Lark; School Governors; representatives of companies involved with the restoration, including Synergy, Baxall Construction, CTP Consulting Engineers, KJ Tait and ADP Architecture; as well as many Tonbridge staff.

The opening ceremony included a poem by James Cawthorn, set to stirring musical accompaniment by Nick Samuel OT (WH 18-23). The arrangement was performed by Toby Stafford-Allen, one of the country’s most highly regarded cavalier baritones and a singing teacher at Tonbridge, and Mark Forkgen, the School’s Director of Music.

Gavin Rochussen, Chair of Governors, performed the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon. The keys to the new building were handed over before Christmas and Cawthorn has been in use since the start of the Lent Term.

James Priory, Tonbridge’s Headmaster, said: “It is wonderful to celebrate both the elegant restoration of the original features of the Chapel built in 1859, and its transformation into a superb new space for teaching and support staff in 2024.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has helped to make this project possible, and excited by the prospect of all that The Cawthorn will contribute to the life and imagination of Tonbridge in years to come. Fine Minds and Good Hearts indeed!”

Pictured above: The opening ceremony concludes with the Chair of Governors cutting the ribbon.

Below, from top: Gavin Rochussen and James Priory with the Mayor and Mayoress of Tonbridge and Malling; the Cawthorn family; various photos of the newly refurbished building.