We knew when we bought St Marks that it used to belong to Bolton School and we have had many people visiting us and reminiscing about their happy memories of their school retreats here so we thought we would share some of those comments as they are a priceless part of the house’s history for us. Plus they are very funny. Along with the quotes we are sharing some snippets from a magazine we were left with the house. What a fabulous history this house has.
“Spent so much time here as a Bolton School pupil. Literally, some of my favourite childhood memories. What an amazing place. I would love to bring my family here for a visit. My kids are at Bolton School now, but they use Patterdale Hall now….it’s amazing, but it’s no CAUTLEY.”
Martin Ashton
“I had gone there regularly as a school girl in the 70s. My favourite memory, apart from the midnight feasts, is our 6th form Elizabethan weekend when we all wore Tudor costumes. One of us was dressed as a monk and walked along the wall of the graveyard across the road and caused a couple of cars to slow down then speed up quickly. Lovely part of the world, you are very blessed. So glad it’s being used as accommodation again. Will definitely pop in.”
Judith Flawith
“Sliding down that hill on a bin bag, aged 14. That was Cautley all over.”
Barbara McDonnell
“Oh we’ve some stories. The joys of a school stay and hiding your midnight feasts on the fire escape. Good luck. It’s a beautiful property. (Hopefully now without the bunk rooms)”
Sarah Tyle
“Friends swimming naked in a stream. We were still juniors to be fair.”
Rachel Parsons
“Heidi throws my coin out of the dorm window and we break friends forever!”
Justine Latham
“Murder mystery night with Mrs Todd and Mrs Hind’s husband.”
Gillian Rimmer
“Gosh … Cautley. Memories. Murder mystery. Faking illness to avoid evening sing song. Grim packed lunches. Miss Massey freaking because our dorm was still awake. Oh and Miss Plant hoovering out our dorm and letting rip as she bent down …ahhh the memories.”
Laura Bickenson
Thanks to everyone who shared their funny stories with us. If you come to stay you will even see we still have the old school gong in our hallway to call you for dinner. If you have fond memories of staying at St Marks do leave us a comment x
Oh my gosh I didn’t realise it was the same property. I remember coming to stay at Cautley and bunking up in beds, messing around in Cautley spout and generally being wet and cold but having lots of fun. Now I definitely need a trip just to reminisce. I’m totally gobsmacked!!
Awh Alex this is fab and you know you are welcome anytime x
I remember how the images painted in luminous paint on the ceilings of the dorms would glow once lights were out. I used to think it was the most exciting thing ever! Then we’d start the ghost stories, each girl trying to outdo the others with gore and spookiness. Aah, happy days!
Janet that is brilliant. Happy school days hey. Must be why there is a lovely positivity about the house now.