| In 1855 a parcel of land in Mortimer was set aside by Edward Richard Benyon of Englefield House for the provision of a church, or chapel, a Church Elementary School and a Clergy House.
The original church (the present south aisle and vestry) was completed in 1882 and dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. St. John's Church of England School and School House was opened in 1889. The blue bricks incorporated in the facade were made locally in Mortimer.
In 1895, the land and buildings of the church, the school and school house, and the clergy house to the rear of the school were conveyed to the Right Reverend Father in God, William, Lord Bishop of Oxford. The enlargement of the church was completed and dedicated in 1896.
Since its opening in 1889, the School House has been occupied by a succession of teachers and, later, curates. The last occupant was Miss Elizabeth Shrimpton, a parish lay worker, who retired and left the house in May 1983.
From that date until its sale to B.F.W.I in 1989, it was used to store Sunday School equipment and as a creche. The only other occupants were jackdaws who regularly fell down the chimneys.
Today the house is a focal point for Berkshire Federation's activities and its new enclosed porch and blue front door welcomes all visitors. |