Derelict Thursday: The darkness behind the light

Crookham Court stands on the former site of Crookham manor house, built around the start of 14th century and destroyed in 1543, and subsequently demolished around 1850. The construction of the current building started around this time and continued in two more phases over the next fifty years.

It served several purposes, one as a manor house then a junior school and then school for the children of the Military serving at Greenham Common. It was abandoned for some time after the US Air Force left the area and purchased in 1961 when it was used as a boarding school until 1990.

In 1988 there was a well-publicised case of child abuse by several members of staff which was covered on Esther Rantzen’s show That’s Life. This had apparently been going on for thirty years but it was only when a new headmaster joined the school in 1987 that it was discovered and reported. Three men were convicted including the owner of the building. Over 20 years later another teacher was also convicted when another victim came forward.

This is for SarumStroller's Derelict Thursday challenge

Vinnie and I walked around it today. We arrived just as a heavy rain shower ended. At probably any other place I'd have loved to see this gorgeous warm lighting against the dark sky, with the bonus rainbow thrown in for good measure. But having read up on the history of the place, I have to say it left me cold.