Convent

The Congregation “The Sisters of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus” was founded by Rev. Canon Peter John Maes in Bruges, Belgium in 1842. He devoted his life to the well-being of the mentally ill, accordingly, with the help of twenty young Sisters the Congregation was formed.

In 1866 together with three Sisters he left Belgium to form St George’s Retreat in England.

The land on which the Great House stands was originally purchased by Lord Chief Justice Sir George Treby. He died in 1700. before completion. The house being finally completed in 1720 by his son George. He died in 1841 and his two sons also died, so the property passed to his three daughters, One of whom, Charity, married Paul Ourrey. Their son Paul went on to inherit the house. Paul was a major land owner of his time. Despite this he opted after his mother’s death to live at Goodamoor (Now Sparkwell Wildlife Park).

During the 19th Century the Great House was occasionally let, though no-one stayed very long. For 40 years the house remained empty until a Doctor Duck took a lease and opened the home for the mentally ill.

In 1876 the heirs of Paul Treby sold the house to Coplestone Lopes Radcliffe, whose son then sold it on to Doctor Charles Aldridge who continued to operate the Home. The Sisters of St Augustine were anxious to establish a home for the mentally ill, eventually achieving their goal in 1934 when the House was renamed St Peter’s Convent.

Whilst certain changes were made, the House has lost none of its grandeur. New buildings added to the site have been built with this in mind resulting in both the great house and the newer buildings complimenting each other in design and style.

The Nursing Home is registered to care for fifty residents offering accommodation and nursing care for the elderly and mentally ill.

Because of the high dependency of the residents, there are 80 Staff together with three Sisters. There is “in-house” training carried out by the Sisters as well as opportunity to attend local nursing courses. Criterion for excellence in nursing is foremost in mind, confidence is conveyed to residents by this.

In the main entrance hall is a plaque which reads...

”Our aim is to provide unique high quality care enabling individuals

to lead valued and fulfilled lives with freedom to make choices.

We will foster an open and positive relationship through respect

and understanding where Sisters and Staff are empowered to

deliver life giving structures”

iVisitors are encouraged and there is no restriction on times. The Sisters see relatives frequently and there is usually a good relationship built up. Sisters are very much aware of the anxiety and guilt many relatives suffer and they are there to give reassurance and help. Visitors are encouraged to take their relatives out for drives, tea or to visit home if this is at all feasible.

There are regular outings for the residents which include Pub lunches and shopping trips.

The sisters are always pleased to help people with their enquiries. Residents are encouraged to visit the home prior to admission with their relatives or friends to assess the suitability of the Home and generally discuss their needs.