Plaistow primary school’s hidden history uncovered
ONGOING building work turned into an impromptu history lesson for pupils at a Plaistow primary school.
Youngsters from Ravenscroft school in Carson Road were taken to see the remains of a structure that stood on the site more than sixty years ago.
The old foundations of Denmark Street board school were uncovered by workers from Carmelcrest during excavation.
Builders were preparing the site for a new year six classroom when they discovered the foundations, which are believed to have been laid in the early 20th century.
Denmark Street board school was founded in 1885. Historical records show it was operating as an infants and junior boys and girls school in 1933, though by 1945 mixed classes were being held.
Its name was changed to Ravenscroft in 1949.
Jackie Bull, now a year six teacher at Ravenscroft, recollects sneaking into the school 36 years ago to visit her friends as an eight-year-old.
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She said: “The memories of that day are fresh in my minds as I have always wanted to go to school there with my mates.”
After visiting the site with Carmelcrest staff, children were asked to come up with their own imaginative drawings showing what the old building could have looked like.
