The story of the Roecroft Centre begins way back at the start of the 19th century, at a time when George III was on the throne. In 1808, a local benefctor, Henricus Octavious Roe, son of a former vicar of Stotfold, founded a boys school, located in the building which is now 97 Church Road. The school was enlarged in 1873 with the building of the first of the three rooms which now comprise the Roecroft Centre.

At this time, the old school became the master’s house and access to the new school was through the lobby on the south side of the building. The old playground now forms the garden of 97 Church Road, which itself no longer forms part of the Roecroft Centre.

In 1891, the school managers, namely Reverend William Edward Jackson, then vicar of Stotfold, John Bigg, a farmer and John Bonnett, a tailor, sold their interest in the school to the School Board for Stotfold “to the intent that the same may be used for the purposes of a public elementary school within the meaning of the Elementary Education Act 1870”

The transfer of the building was completed on 11th August 1891 and the School Board immediately invited tenders for addition to the school of two new rooms, boundary walls and “offices” (toilets!).

The tender from Messrs Morris & Son & Albon was accepted in August 1891 and the newly enlarged school was re-opened on 26th October 1891, with three masters and 130 boys.

Detail from the original drawing by J O Bate, Architect, dated July 1891

Following the 1902 Education Act, responsibility for education passed to Local Education Authority and Stotfold Boys School duly passed into the hands of Bedford County Council where it remained until closing its doors in 1981.

The plan to turn the old school buildings into a community centre came to fruition shortly after this. The Stotfold Old Boys School Management Committee was formed during 1983 and aided by grants from Stotfold Town Council, Mid Beds District and Bedfordshire County Councils; the committee was able to put in hand the renovations needed. The Roecroft Centre opened its doors to the public in November 1983.

In the intervening years, the Roecroft Centre has continued to fulfil its role as an inexpensive meeting venue run for the benefit of local residents. It remains in the hands of the same Management Committee and has hosted hundreds of groups and individuals over the years.

The Roecroft Centre as it is today (line drawing by Mr Ian Mynott – his permission to use is acknowledged)

The Management Committee intends to ensure that this service continues well into the 21st century.