Police Investigate Historic Abuse Allegations At Earl Spencer’s School

An investigation has been launched into allegations of sexual abuse at a boarding school near Market Harborough attended by Earl Spencer.

Princess Diana’s brother claimed in his memoir published earlier this year that he had suffered physical and sexual abuse at the independent Maidwell Hall School in Maidwell in the 1970s.

Northamptonshire Police says it is ‘in the early stages of investigating a number of non-recent allegations’.

Earl Spencer attended the school during the 1970s from the ages of eight to 13.

Maidwell Hall School

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police, said: “Northamptonshire Police takes all allegations of abuse very seriously and where reports are made to us, we will pursue all available lines of enquiry to help bring perpetrators to justice.

“We encourage anyone who has suffered abuse anywhere in our county, at any time, to contact us either online at northants.police.uk, by calling 101 or 03000 111 222 if you’re calling from outside of Northamptonshire.”

A Maidwell Hall School spokesperson previously said the school was “dismayed” by the allegations of abuse, adding “we are sorry”.

The spokesperson also said: “It is difficult to read about practices which were, sadly, sometimes believed to be normal and acceptable at that time.

“Almost every facet of school life has evolved significantly since the 1970s.

“At the heart of these changes is the strict safeguarding of children – protecting them from abuse and maltreatment – and the promotion of their welfare.”

They referred themselves to the local authority after the allegations surfaced, and encouraged anyone with similar experiences to contact them, or the police.