Hollycombe School was established in 1869 by Sir John Hawkshaw.

Sir John lived at Hollycombe House (hence our name, though we are in the village of Milland rather than in Hollycombe itself).

Sir John was an eminent Victorian engineer, a friend of Charles Darwin and married to Lady Ann a poet. Hollycombe School was built in memory of three of their six children, who had died at a young age.

Sir John Hawkshaw was influential around the globe and in every sphere of engineering - constructing ports, bridges (Clifton Suspension bridge), canals (Suez), railways (Charing Cross and Cannon Street and their respective bridges over the Thames) and tunnels (the Severn tunnel).

Cannon Street Station still has a pub - The Sir John Hawkshaw - named in his honour.