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Morcove in Pictures by Sylvia Reed

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Much has been written about the famous Morcove School.  But what did Morcove School, the surrounding countryside, and the main town Barncombe actually look like?

Leonard Shields was the main illustrator of the Morcove stories, that were the main feature of The Schoolgirls’ Own weekly magazine.  I presume he also illustrated the Morcove articles for The Schoolgirls’ Own Annuals, and, for this article, I am using those illustrations.  From these, we can get a glimpse, and almost ‘see’ in our minds, the setting of the Morcove saga that unfolded during the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Devonshire countryside consists of rolling green hills, mist enshrouded moorland, deep red earth, receding tides, sunken roads and lanes, wild wind swept cliffs, high tors, peaceful sparkling bays, harsh storm ridden hinterland and sub-tropical gardens.

Morcove School itself stands high on a headland, at the end of a steep road branching off the main road from Barncombe to Droverton and beyond.  There is a branch line running from Barncombe Railway Station, ending at Morcove Road.  Previously, this railway line would have serviced the now disused quarries within the vicinity of Morcove School. (Unfortunately, there is not an illustration available for this article).

Here are two views of Morcove.  One from 100 years ago (1830’s) in this view, the authoress, Biddy Loveland – Fourth Form pupil, (From The Schoolgirls’ Own Annual 1936) states:

‘A hundred years ago there were only some score of pupils, for Morcove was new and unknown and was considered “off the map.”  The railway had not penetrated to that remote part of the North Devon coast, and the road from Barncombe was but a flinty track across the wild moor.

This later view (1930’s) depicts major additions to the school.  From The Schoolgirls’ Own Annual 1934:

The railway had come.  ”All change for Morcove School!”  The bronzed and jovial porter at Morcove Road Station, on the single line ‘rat and rabbit railway’ that winds up across the moors from Barncombe Junction, leaves his plot of promising potatoes to attend to the more serious business of greeting the ‘Morcove Limited’.  Morcove School itself had attained fame, under the guidance of Miss Esther Somerfield.  Therefore new roads had been made, and old roads mended, to accommodate the increasing numbers of cars and buses.

Both illustrations show where the path is, down to the beach.  This is now famous as the Zig Zag pathway the girls use to get down to the beach.  Further along, there is another pathway up the cliff, leading towards the famous Cliff Edge Bungalow, with its accompanying boat house.  Cliff Edge is the scene of many adventures of the Morcove girls.  In close proximity is Dolly Delane’s cottage, and the Headland Hotel.

This is a somewhat different view, taken from inside the school grounds, looking out. 

This series of drawings entitled From Tess’s Sketchboook (The Schoolgirls’ Own Annual 1935) gives a variety of scenes.  Tess Trelawney is in the Fourth Form at Morcove, along Biddy Loveland and Dolly Delane. They are part of the famous Study 12 Coterie.

These scenes depict the following:

¨Morcove School, the sports ground and the gym.

¨Two views of Barncombe Castle, the family seat of the Earl and Countess Lundy and their daughter, Lady Evelyn Knight.  The Morcove girls, especially the Study 12 Coterie are extremely friendly with Lady Evelyn.. Barncombe Castle is the venue for many charity events held during the year.

¨Dolly Delane’s cottage.  Dolly is the only day girl at Morcove School.

¨The Creamery, in Barncombe.  This is a favourite haunt of the girls.

¨Down the path, and onto the beach.  As mentioned previously, the top of this pathway can be seen in the two views of Morcove.

Round About Morcove – from The Schoolgirls’ Own Annual 1935:

From this illustration – one can almost sense the bright, breezy day, although there are a few clouds round about.  Just the day to get on the bike, and just ride.  No real worries if a sudden Summer storm brews.  Just the excuse to bike into Barncombe, and in Paula’s own words:

‘Bai Jove, geals, I am a weck, a wuin!  Why did I come!  Can we go stwaight to the Cweamery for a cup of tea to wecuperate’?

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