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Sussex school named after disgraced clergyman Bishop Bell may change its name
Crawley and Horley Observer
A Sussex school is considering changing its name because the senior clergyman it was named after was revealed as a paedophile who sexually abused a young child. Eastbourne’s Bishop Bell was named after George Bell, the late bishop of Chichester, who died 57 years ago. Last month it was revealed the Church of England issued a formal apology for sexual abuse committed by Bell against a young child, whose identity and gender has not been disclosed, in the 1940s and 50s. The survivor first came forward 20 years ago, but the matter was not investigated or referred to police at the time. The church settled the claim at the end of September and on Thursday released a letter from the serving bishop of Chichester, Martin Warner, to the survivor expressing “deep sorrow” and apologising for a “devastating betrayal of trust”. Bishop Luffa School in Chichester has already announced it will be renaming one of its houses named after the bishop. A spokesperson for Bishop Bell School said this week, “As a school community our thoughts are with the victim. “There can be no hiding place for abusers, regardless of their position in society or the length of time since the abuse took place. “We started a rebranding exercise in 2014 that has seen parts of the school completely transformed and further work is planned. The name of the school is part of this review. However, this latest news has accelerated the discussion and we will make a decision on it as soon as possible. Formerly Bedewell School on Whitley Road, Bishop Bell School was reopened in Priory Road on May 25 1959 by Princess Margaret and was named after the then Bishop George Bell, who ordered its construction. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.chichester.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChichesterObserver 3) Follow us on Twitter @Chiobserver 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Chichester Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.
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