Park Lodge

The daughter house congregation 'OUR LADY OF FIDELITY (Upper Norwood)' was founded in England on 14th September 1848.

This was the first Catholic orphanage founded in England after the Reformation as well as incorporating a 'fund generating' boarding school. Founded by the Mother House 'Congrégation Notre-Dame de Fidélité' and located at a house in Streatham, whilst the search and negotiation for an appropriate site was found.

Victims of the Irish potato famine, thousands of starving children were wandering the streets of London and hundreds of babies were abandoned by the mothers who could no longer feed them. 'Park Lodge', later known in early Victorian times as 'Park Hotel' was chosen. Originally a Hunting Lodge in the 'Great North Wood' owned by the Earl of Bristol, was a popular choice for King George III to hunt.

Later the stately home of Mary Nesbitt (Norwood courtesan), she held popular 'society' party's at her home. Reputed, on one occasion to have invited both 'Lord Nelson' and the 'Duke of Wellington', neither whom spoke well of the other. However when introduced, they started discussing military campaign's and eventually became good friends.

Park Lodge in 1700's

Site of 'Park Hotel', Also shown early suggestion for building ground later to be the 'new' Convent School c.1846
	(Also shows the original line of 'Convent Hill' passing the old Lodge and emerging onto Central Hill)

Copyright © 2007 - Virgo Fidelis Convent School
Last modified: 04-Mar-2008