The Eastbourne Inception
1893 - 1939

Starting in Eastbourne in 1893, St. Anthony’s fi rst opened its doors to the community as a boarding prep school for the sons of the established Irish and English Catholic gentry at a time when the Roman Catholic Church was once again becoming part of the establishment.

Its founder, Dick Patton, was a lively character. He was the son of Protestant Somerset gentry, who converted to Catholicism, and like his grandson Tim, had an enthusiasm for dramatic performances. He ran the school with success for more than 40 years, supported by his wife, son and daughter and a small band of long-serving staff . Th e school moved to new premises in Eastbourne in 1901.