Oakdale Prepatory School at Harrogate College
Oakdale on Kent Road, Harrogate, was originally built as the residence of Alderman David Simpson (1860–1931), mayor of Harrogate. Simpson acquired the lease for the land and erected the building in 1903.
A group of younger children was housed in Woodlands as part of Harrogate College senior school, and in 1916 the Oakdale estate was acquired by the Headmistress Miss Jones (Elizabeth Wilhelmina Jones), and the preparatory department became a separate entity. This beautiful house set in 20 acres of ground, was designed as a miniature Haddon Hall and was situated about half a mile from the senior school. Oakdale was presided over by Miss Jones’s sister Lena, afterwards Lady Bell, and around 40 children transferred there. There were large sweeping lawns all around the school encircled by a drive. Massive Plane trees edged the drive, and the girls had to run the circuit of these building every morning before breakfast unless it was raining!
Oakdale had its own teachers, and pupils were taught in the downstairs classrooms lined with oak panelling and slept upstairs in dormitories. It had its own activities and children were allowed to bring their own pets. As a former pupil commented: “The environment of the school was absolutely delightful to a small child. The driveway swept from the gate to the steps of the house, and it was possible to ride a horse up to the dining room!”
Miss Millar and Miss Thomas were at Oakdale in 1924, where they both stayed for 34 years, beloved by all the children. Miss Lena Jones remained in charge until 1935 when she retired at the same time as her sister. Miss Jacob came as headmistress of HC in 1935. In the 4 years before the outbreak of the war some additions were made to the Oakdale premises. The building was extended with another wing in the Jacobean style, consisting of a new gymnasium, music rooms, dining room and bedrooms was built, and numbers went over the 80 mark. Several well-known personalities retired during this time, including Miss Gent who had been at Oakdale for 25 years.
In 1939, with the outbreak of war, the College buildings in Clarence Drive were commandeered and the girls evacuated to Swinton Castle. Oakdale was not affected; two extra houses were bought in Kent Road to supplement its accommodation and throughout the war years Harrogate College was run in two parts at Swinton and Oakdale. Miss Jacob visited Harrogate once a week as petrol was granted for essential journeys, while Miss Clarke, Miss Thomas, Miss Millar, Miss Hull and matron Miss Millen ran the junior department. During the handful of air-raids that Harrogate experienced during the war they were gathered to huddle under blankets under the arches of the Great Hall, considered the safest place, to listen to the story of Pinocchio. Throughout the war years and afterwards, Oakdale was full and flourishing. Miss Clarke retired in 1947 and Miss Millen in 1949. Miss Killingley (Housemistress-in-charge) and Miss Dare (Matron) took over Oakdale in 1950 (see Electoral Registers at end of article). Miss Mary Todd was appointed Head Mistress at Harrogate College in 1952-1973 and lived across the road from the school.
Many memories of Oakdale life have been recorded and these special occasions included the Summer evenings with the pets (rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters) scampering on the lawn; the fireworks at Guy Fawkes’ night when the bursar ceremoniously came up from College to light the bonfire: the Nativity Play in which everyone took part: the magic of the Christmas party, conjuror included: Oakdale under snow: the beck in spate: and the weekly walk up Kent Road for Sunday morning College Chapel.
The pattern of education in the country was changing, and by the 60s there was concern for the eventual future of Oakdale. The increasing trend for the 11-plus to enter their secondary school, and the lack of demand for entry at 10 or earlier was becoming apparent. The increasing cost of upkeep of the very large premises made the financial aspect worrying. In 1968 the governors concluded that Oakdale should be closed, and children were transferred to a house in Clarence Drive.
In 1970 it was sold to a wealthy young businessman (John Owen) who was the owner of one of the Harrogate nightclubs. He intended to convert it to a hotel but then kept it as his own private residence, changing the name to Oakdale Manor. The property was modernised, with massive amounts of money spent, and even a fine outdoor swimming pool was built. Unfortunately, after 4 years affairs began to go wrong for him and he left the country, leaving it unoccupied for years and vulnerable to vandals. It was bought by a property developer who planned to demolish the site and build 12 detached houses. As Oakdale had been classed as a ’listed building’ attempts were made by the local conservation society to have it protected and repaired, and it was referred to the Ministry of the Environment. They ruled however, because of the state of dilapidation, in favour of demolition. It was a sad farewell to a place that had been much loved by generations of Oakdalers. 
Marjorie Killingley (1913-2006) Born 7 March 1913, Co. Leitrim. Daughter of the Venerable Ernest Alfred Killingley (1868-1948), Archdeacon of Kilmore, and Florence Edith Killingley (d.1967, Harrogate Nursing Home). Died 22 April 2006, Harrogate.
Information Sources:
Article compiled by Alumni Relations Officer, Sarah Mills, with references:-
Harrogate College, 1891-1973, Dorothy Hewlett.
Harrogate Advertiser, 13th January 1979.
And thanks to our alumni who contributed, including Mrs Alison Aldridge (née McNairn, 1954-1956), a relative of Miss Todd.
