Former Ingoldisthorpe pupils claim alleged sex abuse by Heacham reverend Roger Pott was ‘brushed under the carpet’

The alleged victims of a reverend’s child sex abuse have come forward, claiming their assaults have been “brushed under the carpet” for years.

Until 1969, The Old Rectory on Shernbourne Road in Ingoldisthorpe was home to St Michael’s School, teaching dozens of children of all ages.

Some came from broken homes, while others had simply failed their 11-plus tests or were held back by illness.

But behind the building’s noble exterior may lie a much darker past.

It was founded in 1946 by Reverend Canon Roger Pott, the then vicar of Heacham, who had discovered a need for education in the area. He took on the role of headmaster himself.

Once launched, it took on some day students. However, the main bulk were boarders housed at The Shooting Lodge in Heacham, less than five miles away.

It was not long after the opening of the facility that the alleged “horrors” began.

Charles Batchelor, who joined the school in 1947 and stayed for 11 years, claims Pott, who died in 1992, was a paedophile.

Now aged in his 80s, Mr Batchelor has waived his right to anonymity and told the Lynn News that from the age of eight, the headmaster unleashed multiple attacks on him and other pupils - but claims it was “carefully brushed under the carpet”.

“It happened in the bathroom,” he said.

“That was where he kept all the school uniforms and the canes. It was the punishment room.”

He explained how he was taken in and made to bend over a chair while Pott supposedly struck him with the cane - drawing blood.

He says that afterwards, the clergyman would sit him on his knee and caress him.

“I was stinging. I just wanted out,” Mr Batchelor added.

“I remember the smell - he stunk like a polecat. He was completely unhygienic, and he had foetid breath.”

As an eight-year-old, Mr Batchelor was just a day pupil. For boarders, he says the abuse was much worse, and claims they were often “fiddled with” afterwards.

Tony Woolven, 78, who has also waived his right to anonymity, attended the school at around the same time and has described Pott as “repulsive”.

He says he had a very similar experience to Mr Batchelor, was made to wear a long rubber coat without trousers, and was hit more than six times with the cane.

Like Mr Batchelor, Mr Woolven claims he was also forced onto the reverend’s lap afterwards while he was “kissed and cuddled” against his will.

Years later, in 1981, Pott was given the prestigious title of a canon. Both of the alleged victims believe the Diocese of Norwich did so despite being aware of the extensive abuse.

“Unsurprisingly, it was carefully brushed under the carpet - heaven forbid, this was a man of god we are talking about,” Mr Batchelor said.

However, the organisation claims it was only made aware of the historic incidents in the last few years.

A spokesperson told the Lynn News: "The Diocese of Norwich were alerted to non-recent allegations of abuse in 2020 regarding a deceased member of clergy.

“All safeguarding processes have been followed in relation to these allegations, including reporting to Norfolk Police."

Although an investigation took place at the time, the police said officers took no further action due to Pott’s death.

But even with him no longer around, the uneasiness lingers.

Half a mile from Mr Batchelor’s address in Heacham sits a small cul-de-sac called Canon Pott Close.

Named after his alleged abuser, the former pupil has been desperate for the road name to be changed.

“It’s traumatic when I see that sign,” he said.

“I have to walk the other way around. It brings back horrible memories.

“I get a feeling of revulsion, and I feel physically sick. The inhabitants, probably unknowingly, are condoning the veneration of a paedophile.”

He took his plea to West Norfolk Council earlier this year, but was “fobbed off”.

The authority confirmed it had received the request and took steps to investigate. However, in order for a name change to happen, two-thirds of the residents must state a willingness for it.

The Lynn News spoke to Canon Pott Close residents to get their thoughts.

One woman who has lived on the street for 20 years, and asked not to be named, was shocked to hear the accusations and said she would support the change.

“I can’t imagine anybody here would object,” she said.

“It just depends on whether they are rumours or if it’s the truth.”

A passer-by who has lived in Heacham his whole life, and also asked not to be named, said he always had a “normal experience” with Pott and knew people who attended the school.

The reverend’s son, Simon Pott, who now chairs an association for former St Michael’s pupils, has issued a statement on the matter, denying the allegations.

“My father was not a paedophile, did not have a criminal record for child sex abuse and was not reported to the Bishop of Norwich, who ‘brushed it under the carpet’,” he said.

He claims he has had difficulties with Mr Batchelor and Mr Woolven in the past, involving bullying allegations and unfair treatment, but nothing more was ever mentioned.

“It is fleetingly unlikely that a convicted paedophile would have been invited to give a sermon at Sandringham Church to the Royal Family and to lunch afterwards, let alone be honoured in 1981 to be made a canon of Norwich Cathedral and Diocese,” he added.

Mr Pott was approached for further comment, but no response has been received.