The Old Benny
In 1754 in the Shakespeare’s Head, John Shakespeare and five other Gentleman formed the Beneficial Society, whose initial purpose was to support each other in times of affliction. A shilling a month was collected and the money was kept safely in a chest which had 5 locks. The society decided that on the occasion of there being more money than was needed for the initial intention, it would be used to help to school poor children from the local area of Portsea.
In 1784, a plot of land was purchased in Old Rope Walk for the princely sum of £280. On this land was built the impressive building that still stands here today, fondly known as the Old Benny. The downstairs hall was then used as the classroom while the upstairs hall was kept available by the Society for meetings, concerts and theatre.
In 1812, a heavily pregnant Elizabeth Dickens was attending a dance in this very hall when she went into labour. She was rushed to her home in Old Commercial Road where she gave birth to her son, Charles Dickens.
A former student of this establishment emigrated to Australia in 1840 and was 7 times Premier of South Australia. This was Sir Henry Ayers after whom Ayers Rock was famously named.
The Old Benny is one of Portsmouth’s most haunted buildings, playing host to several friendly spirits. You may hear little George on the staircase or Emily in the schoolroom, but remember to be silent in front of Headmaster Archibald Mills.
In 1939 the school was closed due to the outbreak of World War 2 and was re-
Punishment at the Beneficial School was severe and at times there was a more Naval punishment administered with the use of the birch. The young lad would have to drop his trousers and then be held up tight against one of the wooden pillars in the downstairs hall to receive his punishment. One particularly unfortunate boy was severely beaten for firing a bow and arrow across the classroom, whereupon it struck another unfortunate child in the head!
The school was finally closed in 1962, when the building became a youth training centre until 2004 when a fire nearly destroyed the building. On 20th May 2010 the building opened as Groundlings Theatre, ready to host its drama school, wardrobe, education centre and offering an exciting new Arts Space for Portsmouth and the local community.
