The Power of Stories:

Keeping Abbotsholme’s History Alive

The launch of the new school newsletter, The Abbotsholmian | 1889, offers the perfect way to revisit and relive Abbotsholme’s stories - both old and new.

Few notice them, yet everyone carries a story. Passed from mother to daughter, from friend to friend, stories are an essential part of our society. At Abbotsholme, they are more than memories, but an important part of our iconic history. Today, we step into some of the stories that have been shared with me.

Our tale begins under Abbotsholme’s grounds. The legend says, a secret tunnel runs underground from the school all the way to the village, coming out beneath a church in Rocester. The field above it is said to be protected and untouched. The tunnel supposedly begins in the main building and stretches as far as Clownholme.

Once, it is believed, Abbotsholme had a key that was hanging in a box among many others, though that key has long since disappeared. No one has ever found an entrance, and perhaps they never will… at least not until the story decides to reveal itself.

Now, let’s immerse ourselves to the 20th century. J.R.R. Tolkien has just completed The Hobbit and is struggling to find a publisher willing to publish it. One publisher, however, passes the book to his son. The boy reads it and says that it is one of the greatest adventure stories he has ever read. Convinced by his son, the publisher agrees to release the book. What few people realise is that the son was an Abbotsholme boarding student. Had he not shared his excitement, Tolkien’s legendary work: The Lord of the Rings, might never have reached the world.

We end our dive into Abbotsholmian myths with one of the most intriguing tales of all. It is said that Cecil Reddie, the founder of our school, still walks the grounds. His dark figure, lamp in hand, has reportedly been seen moving from the farm, through the roseyard and dining hall, and up to the front of the school in the early morning hours. It seems to me that our first headmaster cared so deeply for Abbotsholme that he continues to check on it. Whether this is truth or legend depends entirely on how much you believe in ghosts. Yet, let’s not forget that stories are just words and words have an ability to change.

Abbotsholme’s history is rich and unique, shaped by everyone who has ever been part of it. Each student, teacher, and staff member carries a story worth sharing. Thank you to the maintenance, kitchen, and teaching staff for sharing theirs.

 BY DINARA U - Abbotsholme 6th Form Pupil, 2026