The Presentation Sisters in Matlock

Since May 1927, the Presentation Sisters have been part of the story of Matlock. From their home on Chesterfield Road, they ran girls boarding and day schools, educating generations of pupils in Derbyshire. After the closure of the schools in 1993, the sisters transformed the school buildings into a place of care for elderly people. 

At the heart of their work are the principles of: Prayer, Education, Justice, Hospitality and Compassion.

Nano Nagle

Born Honora Nagle in 1718 in County Cork, Nano lived under the Penal Laws, which severely restricted Catholics’ rights, including access to education, land, voting and public office.

After receiving her early education secretly, she travelled to France to continue her studies. There, she became increasingly aware of the suffering of the poor. Although she entered religious life in France, her heart remained with the people of Ireland. She returned to Cork, determined to dedicate her life to serving the poor of the city.

In 1754, Nano opened her first school in Cork where she taught reading, writing and arithmetic alongside practical cottage industry skills. Nano spent her evenings visiting the poor and sick of Cork, bringing them food, comfort and care. Carrying a lantern through the dark streets, she became known as “the Lady of the Lantern.” Her work grew into seven schools, serving 400 pupils by the time of her death, alongside alms-houses for elderly women.

Presentation Sisters

Nano knew that the work she had begun would need to continue after her death. In 1775, she founded a religious community in Cork with three companions. At the time they were known as the Sisters of Charitable Instruction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, but over time became known as the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Nano Nagle’s light and legacy lives on through the acts of the Presentation Sisters and through all those who continue to work for education, dignity and compassion for those most in need. 

In October 2013, Pope Francis declared Nano as the Venerable Nano Nagle. The first step towards canonisation.

Foundations in Matlock

In 1750 the original Chesterfield House was built as a diary farm. By the 19th century it had been brought and developed by the Davis family who offered hydropathic therapy to visitors. During the First World War the site was converted into convalescent centre for disabled servicemen.

The property stood empty from 1921 until 1926 when it was visited by Reverend Mother Xavier Murphy. With the support of parish priest Father Cossins, the Presentation Sisters purchased the site and, on 24 May 1927, moved from their convent at Etonfield, Liverpool, to establish Presentation Convent, Matlock.

Mother Xavier, Mother Berchmans, Sister Mildred and Sister Clare formed the first community, joined shortly afterwards by six more Sisters. Many had served for years in the mission fields of India.

The Convent was formally opened on 21 July 1927 with Solemn High Mass, the blessing of the building and a Blessed Sacrament procession through the grounds.

Presentation Convent High School

On 18th September 1927, the Presentation Convent High School opened to twelve boarding pupils and seventeen day pupils. It was ran by Mother Cecilia, who was assisted by Sister Magdalen. They aimed to provide girls with an all-around Christian education on modern lines, in a happy and healthy homely atmosphere.

In 1932 the school was advertised as teaching “foreign languages, painting, shorthand, typing, dressmaking, games, riding, dancing.”

From the outset the pupils gained success in the Cambridge Examinations, College of Preceptors and Drawing Examinations of the Royal Society. Elocution and Music pupils had been presented with remarkable success for the Trinity College and Associated Board.

Rise of the School

Within ten years the school was recognised by the Board of Education, being the first Catholic Secondary School in Nottinghamshire Diocese to receive the Board’s hall-mark of efficiency. By 1939, they had over one hundred pupils.

As a result of the outbreak of World War Two applications increased due to the safety of the area, and the precautions taken by the sisters who had a large underground air-raid shelter constructed.

By 1945, there were 157 pupils. After the end of the war the popularity of the school did not decrease, in fact the sisters sought permission to erect new buildings to accommodate the rise in students. In May 1958 the present chapel and school buildings were complete.

Lilybank Hydro

In September 1962, the Sister’s purchased Lilybank Hydro. The site had the ideal facilities to be transformed into a boarding school. Once a luxurious hotel, it had fifty bedrooms, a visitors lounge, billiards room and cocktail bar. These rooms were transformed into classrooms, whilst the ballroom became the assembly hall and gymnasium, and the television room the chapel.

85 Junior boarders could be housed and taught at Lilybank alongside many day pupils for local neighbourhoods. By 1967, additional classrooms were developed for the 160 pupils attending the school.

By 1977 there were 265 senior girls and 157 junior girls, 205 were boarders. Pupils from neighbouring towns – Chesterfield, Derby and Buxton travelled daily by bus and train to receive the education that is so characteristic of that given by the Presentation Sisters.

Student Life

The school closed in 1990 and was refurbished and opened as a Care Home in 1993. In 2008, the old laundry was turned into an Archive and Heritage Centre to house the records of the Sisters and the school and to tell our story.  

We welcome you to visit to our centre to explore the mission of Nano Nagle, see artefacts gifted to the sisters during their global missions and see photographs from the days of the convent schools. Amongst many other items related to the Presentation Sister’s community in Matlock.

 Thank you for exploring the history of the Presentation Sisters in Matlock.

To make an appointment to visit or to inquire about the centre please email us at heritage@pbvmengland.co.uk

Want to learn more? - Victoria Cambridges book “Convent” is available for purchase from the centre for £20