In June 1940, after a period of relative calm during the Second World War, Bristol became a victim of regular bombardments and as such, Badminton School was relocated from its site in Westbury-on-Trym to The Tor’s Hotel in Lynmouth, North Devon, and stayed there until the end of the War in 1945.
In records from the time, Miss Rendall who was the Senior Mistress at Badminton at the time (and after whom our Rendall House is named), noted "In seeking peace and safety for the School in this remote part of North Devon there are two experiences we shall never forget - the kindness and hospitality of the people of Lynmouth and Lynton and the beauty and variety of the scenery.”
This summer we heard the sad news that The Tor’s Hotel was due to be demolished and so Mrs Val Drew, who for 23 years was a history teacher and ultimately Deputy Head of Badminton, and I decided to venture to Lynmouth for one last look.
By the time we arrived sadly the demolition had begun, but we did find one Tor’s Hotel sign still standing. We also noted the steep footpath up the cliff to the hotel was lined with Cordyline Australis (Cabbage Palm) trees, much like those currently outside the Peace Memorial Hall and School House. We wondered if this was an influence the School took back to Bristol when it returned after the war.
Mrs Tear
Headmistress
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