Reaseheath Old Hall was a Wilbraham house which was purchased by the Tomkinsons of Dorfold. In 1878, Henry Richard Tomkinson, the son of Reverend Henry Tomkinson, who was the vicar of Acton built the new building (pictured above). The estate passes to Edward Thomas Davenant Cotton (who’s mother was Sophia Ann Tomkinson). On 10 July 1890 his name was legally changed to Edward Thomas Davenant Cotton-Jodrell by Royal License. The property was enlarged in 1892.
Sir Edward Cotton-Jodrell died in October 1917. The estate is put up for sale, and is purchased in 1919 by Cheshire County Council to become the home of the Cheshire School of Agriculture. In 1921 the first male students enter the college.
The Worleston Dairy Institute is incorporated into the college, and in 1926 HRH The Prince of Wales officially opens school at Reaseheath, including a women’s’ hostel and new farm buildings.
The school became the Cheshire College of Agriculture in November 1967.
In 1993 it became an educational charity, known as Reaseheath College.
You can learn more in our Digital Download: Reaseheath, a Cheshire Estate.