Alongside one of the main roads in the Stroud Valleys you will see this arch which was erected by Henry Wyatt in 1834 to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the British Colonies. It once marked the entrance to Farmhill Park, an 18th-century mansion built for local clothier Richard Cooke in 1784. The building was demolished 1933-4. A council estate now surrounds the arch.
As you can see it now sits beside a road leading into a council estate and also leads to one of the biggest comprehensive school, nicely called Archway School.
In 1960-61 the arch had some restoration costing £1000, followed by further restoration in the year 2000 with money raised by The Anti-Slavery Arch Group; £25,000 was needed for the stonework. During this period Archway School used the restoration of the Arch to highlight the plight of modern slaves.
The school was built 1960 for 11 to 18 year olds and have currently have 1107 pupils registered. Just think over the 61 years the school has been open how many children have walked through this arch to get their education.
I left school years ago so this wasn't my place of education but have many friends who themselves, or their children have walked here.
You have so e very grand buildings down your way……love the colour of this soft sandstone. I’m positive that memorial will be approved of in these times!!
