Overstrand Village and Parish Council

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The Village School

The Belfry School was built in 1830 by Miss Anna Gurney on land donated by Richard Handbury Gurney.  Originally built to accomodate 40 children, it was enlarged in 1895.

Previously, children of the village had been taught in a makeshift schoolroom in the belfry of the old church, hence the name.

By 1899, the average daily attendance was 86 pupils, all of whom had to pay to attend. If they didn't bring the money they were turned away.

Miss Gurney and Hudson Gurney endowed the school with nearly £100 annually in a trust that bound the building to be used for educating the Overstrand parishoners.

Like all schools at the time, The Belfry School had its own Rule Book which would have been revised from time to time.  The Belfry's rules included those for the daily running of the Upper and Infant school, requirements of a good governess and directions for teachers.

The distinctive school building is very much a landmark of the village and was in use up until 2007 when the new school opened to house the overcrowded population of 140 pupils.

Fortunately, the building it seems will still have an important part to play in the community as in March 2009 it was announced that it is set to become a community arts centre, following two years of consultation and musing by the Trustees of the Belfry Foundation in conjunction with the Poppyland Partnership Volunteer Norfolk.