Our Story
‘The Mansion’ sits on the site of the home of Henry James (a former Mayor of Totnes in the mid 17th century).
Then in 1795 Giles Welsford demolished the chapel and built a new one behind the Mansion which (was in in use until 1799). He went on to rebuild the house in 1797 when it was called for the first time, ‘The Mansion’. It was the site of the 17th century house we see today, then having its own orchard and chapel.
From 1876 the Mansion was known as ‘Hele’s School’. Later becoming the King Edward VI Grammar School in 1887.
Further additions were made circa 1902 to the school buildings as can be seen in the inner courtyard. The buildings and site then became the asset of the King Edward VI Site Foundation Charity.
The Mansion remained as a school until the early 1970s when the school was merged into the present day KEVICs, comprehensive school and the Mansion became a Sixth Form site. The Mansion then went on to be used as an adult education centre under Devon County Council.
In 2016 Devon County Council withdrew from being the sole Trustee and further education facilities were ended. The Mansion was ‘gifted’ to the town. Since 2017 Totnes Community builders (TCB, formerly TCDS – Totnes Development Society) have been managing the Mansion site & buildings for the KEVICSF charity.
Cricket Team 1920
Courtyard 1969
Today
Today the Mansion is a vibrant community hub, welcoming local people and visitors to work, socialise and create.
The site has a selection of sessional hire spaces which offer a wide variety of classes from art, pottery and dance to theatre, exercise and choirs. They are also used to hold meetings, events and our on-site co-working space.
We are home to many organisations including Totnes Library, Rainbow Nursery, Totnes
Bike Hub, Mend Assembly, Transition Town Totnes, the Alexander Technique and Totnes
Climate Hub.
In the heart of The Mansion you’ll find Canteen, our very popular cafe which spills out
onto our inner courtyard and is open to all, 9-4, Mon – Sat.
Throughout the year we hold events in the front and inner courtyards and the newly
refurbished Old School Hall.
The Mansion is a busy place, there is always something happening and it’s here for the
community.
Volunteers in the courtyard
Our Entrance
