RE: Fellenberg College, 4 Church Street, Folkestone
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Oct17
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In the 19th century, there was a Ladies' College in Church Street, Folkestone, which was named Fellenberg College - also known as Fellenberg House Seminary.
I have found it listed in a few of the historical directories, but then it disappeared in the 1880s. I have also found it in a few of the censuses, but again - nothing after 1881.
I have searched the internet and although I have found a fleeting mention of the college, I haven't really been able to find out anything.
Please - can anyone with local knowledge help me? It is likely that the name is based on the Swiss educator named Fellenberg, who (at that time) was a pioneer in certain types of education.
There is a very brief summary of him and his methods here:
http://tinyurl.com/y4bygv
Thanks in advance for any help.
As I live in Adelaide, South Australia, it's a bit far to come to check it out for myself.
Struthie
2006 :: Comment / reply
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Church Street is in the old part of Folkestone, by St Eanswythe's church, I would guess the building is likely to be still there, though that might be where the primary school is now. When I get a chance I'll go down there and have a look, maybe take a picture.
It get's a mention (according to this great index in Mackie's book about Folkestone, if you can track down a copy.
18 Oct :: 2006 :: Comment / reply
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It's now mostly a shop called Pickwicks! Here are some pictures I took of it, looks like it's been at least partly demolished. Here's a view up Church Street, towards the Church, Fellenberg College is on the right where Pickwicks is now.
Here's a straight on view of the building, looks like it's been at least partly demolished, possibly it was bombed during the war.
I did notice that on the same street there's a plaque to William Harvey, he lived (and was possibly born, I forget) in a house on this street.
1 Nov :: 2006 :: Comment / reply
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Pauly, thank you so very much for your great kindness in locating this old college building and for taking the photos for me.
Would you please happen to know what sort of college it was?
The girl who attended there (whose family history I've been following) died at age 19, not long after leaving the college. Her father was a Baptist Minister and I thought it may have been some sort of religious college. This would also tie in with it having sometimes been called "Fellenberg House Seminary".
Thank you once again for your help and kindness.
Regards, Ruth
Struthie :: 2 Nov :: 2006 :: Comment / reply
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There is a baptist chapel just around the corner, on Rendezvous Street, that is now a Wetherspoons pub.
