Blencogo School was founded in1854 by local benefactor and landowner George Dixon for the education of the labouring classes of the township of Blencogo in the Parish of Bromfield.

In 1990 following a fall in pupil numbers Cumbria County Council announced its closure, and in spite of a vigorous campaign to retain education within the local community the old school closed in 1991. Fearful that the building would be sold, villagers immediately occupied the property and began to use it as a local community facility. A lease agreement was eventually reached between the newly formed Village Hall Committee and the Diocesan Board of Education who won a legal battle over ownership rights in 1993, and the old school began its new lease of life.

An award from the National Lottery Community Fund in 2002 enabled extensive renovation, and the upgrading of facilities: a new small meeting room, new storage, kitchen and toilet facilities were created; the common ground opposite was re-developed as a community park and a dedicated car park was created at the rear of the building.
Additional grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled the restoration of thirteen small painted wooden shields previously attached to wooden beams in the ceiling. As well as the restored shields the building also houses the old school merit boards and two community ceramic murals (one of which was made during the final years of the school by children and village residents).





With its historical associations, and in preserving archival evidence of previous use, the Old School is a key public building in the Parish. Together with School Common it remains an important focus for traditional and contemporary community activities. These include the Bowls Club, Gardening, Parish and Church meetings, Waver Wine Circle, WI, Toddlers group, the carnival, village produce shows, the annual bonfire, concerts and arts events. In addition, the building is well equipped for catering, and is now a beautiful setting for private hire, parties, receptions and conference /meetings