King Charles Boys School, Higher Grade, Chapel Place, 250 boys
King Charles’ School was set up by public subscription, was founded in 1698, was originally ran inside the church. In 1844 the school moved to a new building on the opposite side of Chapel Place, a plaque on the wall commemorates the detail. It was originally 'maintained by the charitable contributions of the nobility and gentry resorting to that place in the summer season'. Kelly’s directory 1914 includes the following entry. King Charles Boys School, Higher Grade, Chapel Place, Founded 1698, rebuilt 1844, for 250 boys, William Alfred Diggens, Head Master.
Our thanks to the staff ‘© Tunbridge Wells Borough Council at The Amelia’.
The image is described in Tunbridge Wells in Old Photographs as “A classroom scene in King Charles' School about 1906, showing in the background from right to left the headmaster William A. Diggens and teachers Thomas E. Mann and Harry Braddon (who was headmaster 1921-47).”
“William Diggens served as headmaster from 1879 until his retirement in 1914. He took over the post from his father, Alfred Diggens, who served from 1856. Later the building became inadequate, alterations and extensions were undertaken in 1887. The school survived until 1960.”
“William Diggens served as headmaster from 1879 until his retirement in 1914. He took over the post from his father, Alfred Diggens, who served from 1856. Later the building became inadequate, alterations and extensions were undertaken in 1887. The school survived until 1960.”