Library & Archives

ALCUIN LIBRARY

The School year 1993-1994 has been a busy one in the Alcuin Library. 560 new items have been added to the library stock, made up of 519 books, 24 videos, 4 audio tapes, and 13 CD-ROMs. In addition a further 2,060 books from our existing stock have been added to the computer catalogue, so that a total of more than 6,000 items are now fully catalogued and accessible.

Included in the above figures are generous donations of books from Mrs. Nona A. Blenkin, Michael A. Wilson (a memoir of his father Dr. A. G. Wilson, OP), and the following past and present pupils and their families: Cherry Alton, Jam Bunnag, Chan Sum-Yee (Christine), Paul Gorman, April Harrison, Louise Jackson, Natasha Kershaw, Dominic Martin, Thomas Nowell, Simon Reavley, Daniel Sumpton, Clare, Anne and David Suttill, Penny Whiting.

We are extremely grateful to them all.

Three new journals are now being taken by the library — B.B.C. Wildlife, Earth Matters (Friends of the Earth) and National Geographic. Sadly, the very popular "Check it out!", published by the Consumer Association, has fallen victim to their financial problems and has ceased publication. Our journal list now stands at twenty-one titles.

A substantial, if not dramatic change, to the library took place during July 1993, when nearly all the books were moved around to place them in strict numerical sequence (the exception being music, games and sports on the Chapel Gallery, and fine arts on the oversize shelves near the entrance). Any temporary confusion at the beginning of the Autumn Term was kept to a minimum by the large and brightly coloured new shelf labels, and third form pupils naturally accepted the arrangement as a logical norm.

The change of greatest long-term significance has actually been caused by our growing collection of CDROMs. The new library computer with its enhanced colour and sound capability (via earphones so there is no disturbance) enables pupils (and occasional daring staff members!) to get maximum benefit from such popular items as the spectacular "Encarta" encyclopaedia from Microsoft. The fact that one small disk costing less than the price of some individual books can contain a twentynine volume encyclopaedia, eight hours of sound, samples of sixty languages, 100 animation and video clips, 7,800 photographs and illustrations, an atlas, and more, beggars belief. The "Changing Times" CD-ROM (selections from two hundred years of the Times Newspaper chosen with the history curriculum in mind) has also been heavily in demand, as has the "Art Gallery" disk which holds the collections of the National Gallery in London. Pupil and staff expectations as to what the library can provide are changing rapidly as we all learn how to use these new tools, and staff and parents will have to be more than ever aware of the possibility of pupils splicing large chunks of the writings of others into neatly presented wordprocessed pieces of work. Perhaps the library should be renamed the "Alcuin Learning Resource Centre" to take account of these new facilities!

I would once again like to thank the Headmaster and all those many members of staff who have given me much support and assistance as the library grows and develops. Avril Pedley, Librarian

1844 AND ALL THAT

1994 seems to be a year of anniversaries. Details of incidents from School life during the Siege of York in 1644 and the D-Day landings of 1944 are in the current issue of St. Peter's News. In addition to these, the 150th anniversary of the School's move to Clifton is remembered. Towards the end of term an exhibition was mounted in the Alcuin Library showing maps, plans and pictures of buildings formerly used by the School. This exhibition will also be on show for the Old Peterite Day in September.

Presumably the original site was very close" to the Minster and the buildings were probably destroyed in the great fire of 1069 in which the Minster, Alcuin's famous library and the various outbuildings were lost. Under Norman rule, rebuilding began fairly quickly and there is early mention of the boys being boarded close to St. Mary's Abbey where Almery Garth now stands.

The earliest written evidence of a definite site is in 1289 when Archbishop Romanus planned to widen the nave of the Minster and found the School house in the way, adjoining as it did the south side. It was then moved to the house of the prebendary of Dunnington, probably near the west end of the Minster or in High Petergate. A document of 1390 refers to "the house of Robert de Crayk in Petergate beside the School." (This might, however, refer to the School attached to St. Leonard's Hospital.) Rent accounts of the period from about 1432 to 1500 mention tenements and one chamber within and later beside the grammar Schools. This was described as "a complete ruin" in 1531.

On April 5th 1557 possession was taken of "The hospital of Our Ladye, in Bothome, called Horsefayre, nigh York." This building, near the junction of Lord Mayor's Walk, Gillygate and Clarence Street was marked on one of the earliest plans of York in 1611. When the York Archaeological Trust excavated <this site the foundations, urinals and articles such as clay marbles and slate pencils were found. Here the School stayed until the dangerous days of the Siege of York when the suburbs were destroyed by the defenders and the boys moved to

the comparative safety of the old chapel of the Vicar's Choral in Bedern. It must have been from here that the boys rode out to see the Battle of Marston Moor, and Christopher Wandesforde had the narrow escape described in St. Peter's News. It is intriguing that the boys were on horseback. Did they have their own, we wonder, or had they "borrowed" them, although horses on that particular day must have been hard to come by.

It was thought that die School remained in that position until 1735, but quite recently an advertisement in the "York Courant" was discovered which gives a hitherto unknown location, The Bagnio in Coney Street. This Bath House was opposite the Old Press offices, near St. Martin's Church, and a photograph of it in its ruinous state exists. So, from a sauna in 1730 to a building which was a disused church in the middle stables at one end and a house of ill-repute at the other, which became the home of the School in 1735. This building can still be seen in St. Andrewgate, now used as St. Andrew's Gospel Hall.

Having shared premises with whores and horses the School then shared premises with a dancing School, occupying the first floor of Mr. Noakes's Academy. This was at the south-east side of the Minster, next to the Old Residence (now York College Junior School). Further along what is now Deangate stood the Old Deanery which was demolished in 1828, and this empty site was now chosen for a new purpose-built construction for the School. Work was begun in 1830/31, completed in 1832, having cost £1,500 and became the new home for St. Peter's in 1833. (This building is now occupied by the Minster Song School.) Stephen Creyke as Headmaster infused new life into the School, but unfortunately this was not continued under his successor Rev. William Hewson, appointed in 1838 which was to cause much trouble. The number of pupils declined from seventy-eight to thirty-five, and a Chapter resolution was passed "That the Grammar School of St. Peter has declined to such a state of inefficiency as no longer... justifying the expenditure of its funds." Hewson was asked to resign but refused, and fought on till he was dismissed on June 13th 1844.

It was on the same day that the Dean and Chapter received a report that the Trustees of the Colliergate School at Clifton would consider transferring their land and new premises, which were eventually bought by the Dean and Chapter for £4,100, the two Schools combining with a total of 101 boys. The familiar buildings had been designed by John Harper and were opened in August 1838. Here St. Peter's remains, although in the midthirties a plan was mooted to move the School to a country house outside the city. This idea caused such dismay and so many protests from pupils, parents and the city itself that the scheme, fortunately, was dropped.

The archivist is grateful for the help given from Mr. Hamilton's History of the School, Mr. Wiseman's "Recent History", Richard Harding and Rev. Angelo Raine's published works. He is especially indebted to Mr. Bernard Barr, sub-librarian of the Minster, and Sarah Costley, the Minster archivist for such willing help and interest. Original plans and drawings were located, restored and photographed, many of which are now in the School archives and are on display in the exhibition.

Some of the original drawings and plans were in urgent need of restoration, and their disappearance would have been a great loss showing as they do not only the present buildings and their usage but other schemes which were never carried out. These include a combined gymnasium and laboratory on the site of the present dining hall, a turretted gatehouse with a tower and, of particular interest, a second design for the present frontage showing a handsome stone lantern tower and cupola. J. V. Mitchell

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BESiGM •»»*•

Laurence Eusden (1688-1730)

Only a handful of Schools can claim a Poet Laureate amongst their old pupils but we are one of that select group. Unfortunately our subject was not only the youngest Laureate ever (only thirty years old) but is generally accounted as being the worst!

Laurence Eusden was the son of a Rector of Spofforth in 1688, and was educated at St. Peter's until he was 16'/2 when he went up to Trinity College, Cambridge in 1705. He graduated in 1708 and became a lecturer and fellow in 1712.

His first appearance in print was in 1714, a translation into Latin of Lord Halifax's poem on the Battle of the Boyne. A poem of unblushing flattery of the Duke of Newcastle brought a most useful Christmas present when he was appointed Poet Laureate on December 24th 1718; the honour being the subject of considerable ridicule.

In 1724 he was ordained and became chaplain to Lord Willoughby de Broke. Further toadying brought him the Rectory of Coningsby in Lincolnshire where he died of dropsy on September 27th 1730. Thomas Gray, of Elegy fame, wrote of him: "Eusden was a person of great hopes in his youth, though at last turned out a drunken parson."

Pope in The Dunciad also refers to him: "Eusden thirsts no more for sack or praise." "Laurus lay inspir'd beside a sink." "... a parson much bemus'd in beer."

Without apology we print one verse only from a birthday ode written for George I. "By thee contending nations are all ally'd,

By thee, Hesperia sinks her tow'ring pride.

Moscovia's prince begins his bounds to know,

And roaring Volga silently to flow.

Thee Gallia's regent with fix'd eyes admires,

For thee Germania feels a lover's fires.

From Belgian moles thy praise is heard around,

Thy Albion's cliffs return the pleasing sound.

Janus again his iron doors must close,

A new Augustuc seeks the world's repose." /. V. Mitchell

FROM THE ARCHIVES

It is pleasing once again to report a year of considerable growth in the archive department. Visitors have shown particular interest, especially the growing number who are researching family histories, and we are always glad to help, though sometimes we draw blanks because of the gaps in the School records. It would appear that one of the admission registers from the mid-thirties have disappeared, together with other items. Were these perhaps destroyed in the air raid on York when damage was caused to many of the School buildings?

On the credit side, older group photographs of School House have been transferred to the archives where they will be restored where necessary, then protected with acidfree archival covers, catalogued and filed. Through the kindness of Mr. Robert Boocock a splendid collection of items was returned to us from America. These were presented to us by Miss Hanks, sister of Haydn Hanks (at School from 1928 to 1935). He was shot down a week before the European War ended whilst bombing enemy ships on the Baltic Sea, thus cutting short a most promising career, probably as a surgeon. Miss Hanks writes:

"He loved your School and it made him into a great person and leader. God bless you and your staff. Keep your light shining."

The kindness of Mrs. Wynell-Mayow of Oxford gave us the opportunity to see and to copy the most moving diary, letters and photographs of her uncle Herbert Roslyn Phillips of School House whose memorial plaque is in the School chapel. (Extracts from this diary appear elsewhere in this issue.)

In the projected reorganisation of School House a wide collection of fees books, ledgers and so forth arrived in the archives. These are mostly of academic interest, but useful in giving names and details that might otherwise have been lost. Amongst them, however, were two hitherto unknown and most useful items — staff registers from 1900 to 1940. These give details of their own education, previous appointments, service in St. Peter's and dates of leaving. The first page gives the record of the Reverend E. C. Owen, Headmaster and Housemaster of School House 1900 to 1913 whose annual salary was £150!

A pleasing little note was also found from a conscience-stricken former pupil who obviously knew his Latin —

"Dear Headmaster,

Many years ago I took small sums from the tuck shop till. Inflation and interest have increased it perhaps to the extent of £5. Please help me by putting it back. Peccavi."

Leslie Le Tocq is a frequent caller, and his interest, generosity and accurate memory have been and are much appreciated. Photographs, magazines and many associated articles which he has kept for years have been kindly donated to us, and he has been most helpful in persuading others to do likewise. John B. Dixon and George Alderson are also faithful correspondents and donors and we are most grateful to them.

A recent and most useful acquisition has been several large boxes of glass photographic slides used for many years by Wentworth Ping, former Master-in-Charge of St. Olave's. These reflect his great interest in nature, meterology and local matters. The most interesting ones, however, cover the School before the First World War,

buildings, events and personalities, and a set of slides of St. Olave's Sports Day in 1911. That well-known local historian, Hugh Murray, OP (1943-51) has kindly advised on the correct treatment and cataloguing of these, and has promised that in the Spring Term of 1995 he will present a show of these, and of other historic photographs of the school, Clifton and York generally. This will be open to all, and the proceeds will go towards the conservation and extension of our archives.

Work on indexing, cataloguing and sorting material has proceeded well, though much remains to be done. For such progress as has been made we are most greatful to Mrs. Sanderson, mother of two pupils of the School, who has come in one morning a week and given gladly of her time, interest and expertise. We can always find work if others would like to emulate her splendid example.

Other items which have come to us are as follows:

P. J. Daggett, Esq. Mrs. D. K. Smallman

Mrs. E. Catterraole D. R. Harding, Esq.

Mrs. N. Johnson-Perry R. Boocock, Esq.

Miss M Hanks, Arizona 1920 Rugby Photograph. Photos etc. r.e. A. B. Smallman 1925-30 Photos etc. Items of his late father, G. W. Harding (1932-39) Coins of Philip II of Spain. Diary as Prisoner of War. York wartime newspapers. Photos etc. of Haydn Hanks. Rugger cap, scout badges, photos, magazines, ephemera, reports etc. and the war medals of her brother Haydn Hanks (1928-35) J. B. Dixon (School House 1932-36) G. W. Alderson (School House 1956-61) Mrs. Honig Miss Ingham

H. H. Colley, Esq.

J. R. Scholey (1932-39)

Rev. M. P. L. Wall (School House 1931-35) Ski cap made in German prisoner of war camp, ephemera, information etc. Diary pages, photos, programmes, reports, information etc. Information r.e. Otto Honig 1939-40. Prize books, photos etc. of W. Ingham (1901-08). Magazines, photos, fixture lists, silver trophies and three Edwardian etchings of the School. Amongst other items he kindly presented were a letter written home from St. Olave's in which mention is made of Boer War actions and School celebrations, a latin notebook (in which most of the pages are taken up with rugby results rather than grammar), and details of First World War service, including letters, photographs and telegrams. All these items relate to W. H. Colley, School House 1901-1907. Group photographs of St. Olave's, St. Peter's and individuals. Written memories of the School in the 1930's.

To all these generous supporters, and any others whose names might have been inadvertedly missed we offer our sincere gratitude, and to others who might have similar items which they would be willing to donate to the School we shall be glad to hear from them.

J. V. Mitchell

A TRAGIC LAKELAND HOLIDAY

From a 1901 School House photograph: Mr. Senior (middle row, far left), Herbert Phillips (middle row, fourth from left), Sidney Bulmer (bottom row, second from left) and Mr. Owen (bottom row, far right).

The School Archivist had a visit recently from the niece of Herbert Phillips who in 1902 was a fifteen yearold boarder in School House. She brought with her his diary account of a September Lake District holiday undertaken that year in the company of another boy, Stanley Bulmer, and a young member of staff, Mr. Senior. The reading of it is a moving and saddening experience.

The first entry for September 1st makes a resolute start.

/ have determined to keep a diary of my first fortnight in the Lakes. Whether I shall succeed or not remains to be seen.

Bert recounts his train journey from Greenock and the rendezvous at Penrith Station with Bulmer and Mr. Senior. Then it was by another train to Cockermouth and, because of a hitch about bicycles, a long trudge in the dark to Kirkhead House by Loweswater where they were to stay. / thought we were never going to arrive but at last we did at 9.40. We had a good supper and went straight to bed and slept the sleep of the weary.

The next day he spent fishing. After breakfast we waded up the burn for a good distance and then fished down it. At the first try I hooked a good half-pounder and got it out as well: but I took it off the hook before it was quite dead.

Much to my disgust it jumped out of my hands into the water and escaped... After tea I started down the burn and fished as far as Crummock where I gave up in despair and got home about 8 o 'clock simply fagged out. I could not eat anything so I went to bed and slept hard.

The next day the party awoke to wind and rain, and Bert spent the morning writing up his diary and reading Westward Ho! The weather was better in the afternoon and after tea they went walking. We started for the Hows, which is a small hill, just above Lanthwaite Woods. It was a splendid walk and good scenery. It was horribly ' 'blowy'' on the top and quite precipitous coming down. We got home about 8 o'clock and I felt I had quite made up for the wet morning.

There the diary entries by Bert end and the story is taken up by Mr. Senior. When Bert was lying ill and we were casting round for the cause, it occurred to me to search for this journal, which I knew he had been keeping; in the hope that it might throw light on the matter...

Thursday morning (September 4th) was grey and doubtful... I determined we should try an expedition saying (what is perfectly true) that getting wet in

Lakeland signifies nothing, provided one walks oneself dry again.

During the fell walk that day Mr. Senior records that Bert was not feeling well. At one point Bulmer asked him, "How is your indigestion?" Eating lunch 'Bert seemed very uneasy, and stretched himself in two or three different positions seeking relief. Eventually while Bulmer and Mr. Senior went on to Sour Milk Ghyll Bert returned alone to Kirkhead and went to bed early. So began the last scene of our holiday. I took up some weak tea and bread and butter but he scarcely touched it.

Later in the evening the doctor in Cockermouth was summoned by telegram. From this point onward, one begins to be uncertain as to times... After a period of silence, of much uneasy tossing and rearranging of pillows,

Bert suddenly said, "Will you read the Bible to me?" At once I agreed, and asked if there was any particular part he would like. He chose the Book of Job; so I read the first three or four chapters, the story of personal suffering, and by the end he seemed to be asleep.

The doctor did not come: the wind had brought down the wires. Mr. Senior watched over Bert through the small hours.

Twice in the night I was by his side for some time: there came a sharp attack of pain which drew from him the only words of the kind he ever said — "/ can't stand any more of this", and then as he turned on his side — "Lord, help. "

The doctor eventually arrived on the Friday afternoon. The diagnosis was appendicitis, and a surgeon was summoned from Carlisle. He and some of Bert's relations were expected to arrive by train on the following morning. Mr. Senior again took up his vigil for the night. There was the ceaseless sound of the beck below the house, and far away in the woods a mournful cry (some otter, I suppose) which was in entire keeping with one's feelings. Huge shadows of cloud and fell filled up the whole sky, and there was no light anywhere, except the feeble ray in the room where life and death watched together at the bedside.

On the Saturday morning after his examination the specialist considered that there was little hope. A telegram was sent to the Headmaster, Reverend E. C. Owen, in York, Mr. Senior continued his care. / went in again to sit with the boy... He seemed to be quieter than before, and he lay with his hands folded across his breast. We were alone, and I said to him, ' 'You know that we love you, and that God loves you far more'' — and he nodded and said 'Yes'. ' 'And that He will go with you through the dark valley. " Again he nodded and gave me an unmistakable 'Yes'. Sunday morning broke in mist...

I went up again to see Bert, for what proved to be the last time. His mind was wandering a little. Had the Archbishop, he meant Mr. Owen, come? Would they operate ? Would he be able to play football again ? Then he fell into a doze, and kept closing on mine, with each pulsation of the blood.

Another specialist, this time from Manchester, was called in by Mr. Owen. He decided as a last chance to operate. Bert stood up well to the operation and regained consciousness, having taken the chloroform better than expected. Mr. Senior spent the afternoon by the beck 'principally in prayer for the sparing of the boy's life'. But the optimism was unwarranted. In the twilight Mr. Kerr (one of Bert's uncles) called Mr. Owen and myself aside, round the corner of the house, to the little wicket that leads to the woods behind, and there said (if I remember the words) ' 'Shall we commend the dear boy during the passing of his spirit to the Saviour", and we uncovered our heads and he led us in prayer... I was despatched on I know not what errand to

Kirkstile, and when I returned Mr. Kerr met me and quiety said "All is over" — he died at half-past eight.

On Monday, the following day, the relatives made all the necessary arrangements. In the afternoon the Headmaster and Mr. Senior took a boat and rowed across Crummock Water to see Scale Force.

At five o 'clock all met for tea, and all were cheerful. There was, I think, nothing incongrous in this. Certainly in his death there is nothing, save for our own sokes', to grieve over. The memory of his brightness, and his sunny smile, was so strong with me, that I decided not to visit his room again, lest anything might mar it. I should like to be perpetual.

The funeral was fixed for the next day, Tuesday, at the church nearby. Mr. Senior changed his mind about revisiting the bedroom.

The bed which we had watched, as it seems so long, was dreadfully empty, and there on tressels was a plain coffin, with a simple inscription. This was the end of our holiday. It was incomprehensible... I met Mr. Owen, and we went together to the church... The bell began to toll, and the congregation entered. We had the hymn "Thy way, not mind, O Lord' and then left the church for the graveside. The service was soon over, being very simple. It was read by Mr. Owen.

Mr. Senior then made arrangements for his return to York.

It was with strange reflections that one walked up and down the platform at Penrith where, a week before, we three had met with such bright anticipations. I remember how well he looked, wearing the 2nd XI cap of which he was so proud, and carrying his camera. My train started as daylight was failing, and by9o 'clock it was running down the Yorkshire Dales in the darkness, putting all the Pennine fells between Cumberland and me. One could not help a human shudder at the thought of the distant graveyard on its first night of coldness, darkness, loneliness.

R. N. Pittman

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