The School

St George’s Preparatory School was founded in 1936 by Raymond Hutchinson to provide a private school education for boys aged 7-14 and prepare them for Public Schools in South Africa and overseas. The first enrolment numbered about 50 boys with approximately 25% being boarders. In 1987 the Prep became co-ed.

In 2000 our Pre-Preparatory school opened its doors, followed by the College in 2001.

 

 Sherwood, Port Elizabeth 1984,   RPA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The House (Knockfierna)

Knockfierna (Hill of Fairies or Truth) was originally built in 1899 as a beautiful grand Victorian Mansion by John Daverin, from Ireland, who was a successful Wool Merchant. John and his wife, Clothilda, brought up their 7 children in the grand style befitting this era.

The Victorian era, with its wealth, opulence and distinctive architecture, left its mark on the city of Port Elizabeth in no uncertain terms. It was the time of horse-trams and hansom cabs, elaborate carriages, silk hats, beards, curled moustaches, elegant dresses with choker collars and leg-of-mutton sleeves, feathered hats flowing veils and bonnets. In keeping with the rich hinterland large brokerage firms had come into being that bought and sold the produce brought to Port Elizabeth from the surrounding farming areas. A group of veritable “Merchant Princes” owned these firms and prospered beyond their wildest dreams. One such Merchant Prince was John Daverin, owner of his own firm of brokers at a relatively early age, who was destined to become a business genius and a leading political figure in the Government of John X Merriman. Early in his career, Daverin had built a magnificent dwelling on his farm, Springmount, in the District of Alexandria, taking great pride in the layout of both farm buildings and truly magnificent gardens. He undertook extensive journeys and it was on one of his trips to Ireland that he met Clotilde D’Alton of Ballygriffen, who was destined to become his bride.

At that time, the elite residential area of Port Elizabeth was “The Hill”, situated on the flat piece of land above the town in the vicinity of the acreage that became the lush and beautiful St George’s Park. It was on a large tract of land adjacent to the Park that the gracious dwelling Knockfierna was built. This was the dream house of John Daverin, built for his beloved wife and the family that they dreamed of raising in this place, as magical as its name.

No expense was spared in the erection of this fine house. On their journeys overseas, the Daverins had bought mirrors, ornaments, glass from Venice, bronze from Florence and Beleek china. Only the best tiles, mahogany, handsome fireplaces and light fittings were used. This was to be a fitting home for a wealthy family! Charming romantic touches such as the gables on the roof, arched veranda and upper balcony and the velvety heart-shaped lawn must have caught Clotilde’s eye each time she returned from a trip with her daughters to take tea with some distinguished friends. All the accoutrements of this fine lifestyle had to be housed in equal style, so extensions to the house in the form of quarters for the staff, stables and a hayloft were also built.

Knockfierna was truly a place of fairies, with merry voices, running feet, excited whispers and fluting laughter, all the ingredients of a true fairytale. What a wonderful place for children to spend their growing years!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Port Elizabeth RPA,  1984

 

 

 

 

 

 Blue Jacaranda tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Wojtus i Piotrus

 

 Port Elizabeth South Africa 1984

Photo Barbara Chodacki 1984