If you're waiting for the C11...

One of the most charming buildings in Hampstead is slightly hidden - partly because of the shocking overshadow that is the Royal Free Hospital and partly due to the scale of works that have been going on at the neighbouring building.

I mean of course Hampstead Hill School on Pond Street.

http://www.isbi.com/isbi-viewschool/1199-Hampstead_Hill_School.html#location

This is on the Lyndhurst/Rosslyn Hill junction next to St Stephen's Church and is the old church and community halls.

I've posted on St Stephen's before and now it nears completion and back into use I'll give more information, but for the mean time will dwell on the school.

http://474towin.blogspot.com/2008/04/come-on-st-stephens.html

The school founded in 1949 sits in the old halls (themselves build in 1908) and has an amazingly cheery atmosphere.

For those of us who use the local bus routes of the C11 and the 46 you can often admire the childrens artwork afixed to the gates and fences - it makes for one of the more pleasant notices to read when waiting.

The building has distinct church hall atmosphere to it and still has the foundation stone that reads:

+ AMDC +

THIS STONE WAS LAID
BY
ERNEST EDWARD LAKE
MAYOR OF HAMPSTEAD
JULY 14 1908
HERBEST N BATE, VICAR

EVERARD A FORD
CLARENCE E. BATHOLOMEW, CHURCHWARDENS

E. A. PEARCE, ARCHITECTS

I think the vicar, Herbet Bate was the co-author of a book Thoughts On The Shape Of The Liturgy (published in 1946), and THE HEALTHFUL SPIRIT. By the Rev. Herbert N. Bate, M.A., Vicar of St. Stephen's, Hampstead. With Introduction by the Bishop of London. Crown 8vo. 2s. 6d. net.

The only other I have found is this fascinating glimpse
Herbert Newell Bate 1871-1941
A Reticent Genius
Published by the Dean & Chapter of York
Memoir of the Dean of York Minster, previously Vicar of St Stephen's Hampstead, Christ Church Lancaster Gate, Canon of Carlisle, Rector of Hadleigh and Dean of Bocking.

More to follow I think...