Tockington Manor
| Company type | Boarding preparatory school |
|---|---|
| Industry | Education |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Headquarters | Tockington , England |
| Products | Preparatory education |
Tockington is a village situated in South Gloucestershire, England. Historically, its development centered on agriculture, primarily cattle farming on the fertile floodplain lands. More recently, Tockington has gained popularity as a commuter settlement due to its location within the Green Belt and strong transport links to Bristol. Positioned south of Olveston, the village lies within a steep valley. A notable feature is the Swan Inn, a well-frequented public house located at the heart of the village, which is characterized by a triangular road junction.
History
Between 1870 and 1872, John Marius Wilson’s Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales provided this description of Tockington:
- TOCKINGTON (Lower), a tything in Almondsbury parish, Gloucester; 3¾ miles S by E of Thornbury. It has a post-office under Bristol, and cattle fairs on 9 May and 6 Dec. Real property, £4,975. Pop., 464. Houses, 109.
Tockington Manor
Tockington Manor operates as a boarding preparatory school, established in 1947. The main stone structure, rising three stories high, was primarily built circa 1712 but incorporates parts of an earlier residence. It holds Grade II listed status.
During the First World War, the building was repurposed as a military hospital.
Prior to the Second World War, ownership rested with the Salmon family. At the war’s outset, it was requisitioned to serve as a dispersal location for the design office of the Bristol Engine Company. Although plans included constructing several additional huts on the grounds at an estimated £9,000—deemed excessive—the majority of staff were relocated instead to the Fry's chocolate factory at Somerdale. Only key personnel and their assistants—approximately seventy individuals—were stationed at the Manor. Senior staff were accommodated in apartments on-site. Notably, after Roy Fedden, Bristol’s chief designer, lost his home during an air raid on 25 September 1940 targeting the Filton factory, he took up permanent residence there. Additionally, Close House on Upper Tockington Road served as lodgings. The pre-war gardening team remained employed, now engaged in dig for victory efforts to supply food for kitchens.
The design office at Tockington Manor was where initial planning occurred for new engine projects. Among these was Bristol’s inaugural gas turbine engine, the Theseus turboprop engine. This project sparked significant controversy: Fedden advocated focusing on existing piston engines but was overruled by Frank Owner, head of the project office. This dispute culminated in Fedden’s resignation in 1942 during wartime.
As hostilities wound down and air raids ceased, the design office returned to Filton. Subsequently, ownership of the house reverted to the Salmon family, who sold it in 1946. The estate was acquired by former first-class cricketer Gordon Tovey, who transformed it into a private educational institution. His son Richard later held the position of headmaster for thirty-eight years.
Tockington Quarry
Situated behind the Manor lies a modest limestone quarry, which, along with the Manor, was part of the pre-war Salmon estate. During World War II, there was consideration to utilize this quarry as a secluded and contained site for engine testing. Ultimately, however, Failand Quarry, located to the south-west, was chosen for this purpose instead. Today, the quarry serves as a location for climbing activities.
Amenities
The focal point of the village is known as 'The Green,' where key facilities such as the church, pub, and bus stop are all found. Adjacent to the Swan Inn—a Grade II Listed Building—stands a traditional red telephone box that has been repurposed into a book exchange.
Olveston and Tockington Methodist Church represents the union of two former village churches in 2004. The chapel structure dates back to 1897 and underwent significant refurbishment in 2007, adding amenities including a disabled-accessible restroom and a kitchenette. The chapel accommodates up to 60 individuals when at full capacity. Since 1 September 2018, the Rev Simon Edwards has served as its minister.
While Tockington does not have any retail stores within its boundaries, several farm shops are available in the nearby vicinity. Additionally, residents have access to supermarkets and a large shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway, along with further shopping options in the neighbouring town of Thornbury.
Public transportation connecting Tockington is provided by Stagecoach Group Gloucester bus services.
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