William and Florence Vine established their own school in Bronte Villas, Parrock Road, Gravesend for the education of their own children and others. They had a son and three daughters. In due course, the three daughters took over from their parents. They carried on teaching at Bronte until the last of them, Miss Ivy Vine, died in 1977. At this point, it seemed that the school would have to close.

However, a Parents’ Committee was formed to save the school and Peers Carter found himself elected as the (somewhat reluctant) Chairman. When all other methods of raising the necessary funds had failed, Susan and Peers Carter impulsively decided to sell their home and buy the school. They did so because their own first child was very happy at Bronte.

By curious coincidence, the Carters eventually produced three daughters — just like the founders. All three were educated happily at the school.

Bronte has continued to thrive and in 1999 it moved from its original premises to its present premises, a much larger listed building in the town centre. Mayfield, 7 Pelham Road. Mayfield was built around 1875 as a very large family home for Isaac Johnson, the first Managing Director of the Blue Circle cement works.

In a way, it remains a large family home.

Continue Tour >