French, Latin, Algebra and more

Hill House College was a private school in Hill Street, Haverfordwest.

It was run by two of the four daughters of Dr. Thomas Davies, who was the Head of the Baptist College in the town and it became the school.

The prospectus was designed to attract parents -

"The Misses Davies (Registered Teachers) assisted by a competent staff of mistresses, conduct a school for Boarders and Day Pupils at the above commodious and well situated residence. The course of instruction comprises the usual branches of a sound English Education with French, Latin, Algebra, Geometry, Music (Piano and Violin) Drawing, Painting and Drill; also Shorthand, Typewriting and Needlework. Pupils prepared for the Oxford and Cambridge Local, Trinity College, Royal Drawing Society and other examinations. Kindergarten occupations for the little ones. The music Mistress is Miss Burns, LRAM; ARCM and Gold Medallist. She has had teaching experience in one of the best English Music Schools. The School will re-open on Wednesday January 21st at 2.30pm. All those anxious to secure vacancies are urged to apply immediately."

Good behaviour, grammar and spelling

Looking back at my days at Hill House there was always an air of excitement and enthusiasm about what went on and I don't remember any punishments.

My basic education there has stood me in good stead over the years and there is no doubt that the grounding we had is the very thing some people today regret having lost in modern schooling.

They are even bringing back some of those ideas.

The Miss Davies' brother, Salter Davies, a sometime Director of Education for Kent, gave them valuable advice on how to conduct the school and made some suggestions about the curriculum.

They (probably Miss Agnes) had the good sense to follow his guidance and he attended the 1930 prize-giving in his capacity as Director - a good advertisement for the school.

The standards set at Hill House stand up to modern inspection in the teaching of good behaviour, grammar and spelling, appreciation of worthwhile books and, not least, the reading of the Bible.

One other innovation which has hardly ever been acknowledged was the early introduction of BBC school broadcasts. We listened to talks and had to produce essays on them."

After the deaths of the two heads, Miss Agnes Davies and Miss Mildred Davies the school was demolished in 1964.

They were buried in the Macpelah cemetery which was at the top of Portfield on the outskirts of the town. that may also now have vanished

Vera Lowe