No. 4. VoL J. JUNE, J902.

t- & -'"*

PRICE SIXPENCE. A MEMENTO OF THE 250th ANNNERSARY.

Fa cs imile of the first page of th e old R eg iste r Book , in th e ha nd writing of the Re v. Abraham Colfe, re cording the op en ing of the Grammar School a nd Libra ry on roth June, 1652. ^be Colfcian,

Being tbe Cbronicle

of tbe

©lb B0^8

ot Colfe's Grammar Scbool

Icwisbam.

June, 1902.

printed bs Cbacles mortb, TTbe JSlacl^beatb prese. Contents.

PAGE THE 2S0TH ANNIVERSARY 133 NOTES 134 IN PIAM MEMORIAM 137 THE ABRAHAM COLFE CLUB 140 COLFE CLUB NOTES 141 OLD COLFEIAN SPORTS GROUND 142 ,, ,, FOOTBALL CLUB 143 ,, „ CRICKET CLUB 14s THE COLFE TENNIS CLUB 146 COLFEIAN OF 1652 ! 149 LEWISHAM (COLFE'S) GRAMMAR SCHOOL: i Of the First Founding of the School 150 ii Of the Building of the School by Mr. Colfe 151 iii Of the School as Founded by Mr. Colfe 152 iv Of the School from Mr. Colfe's Days until the Present Time 154 V The Headmasters, 1652 TO 1902 161 REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST, 1835-40 163 CORRESPONDENCE 166 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 167 NOTICES 168

Sllustratlona.

A MEMENTO OF THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY ... Frontispiece THE COLFEIAN POSTER Facing page 145

"COLFEIAN OF 1652, GIVE ME YOUR HAND!" ., >. 149 THE OLD SCHOOL BUILDINGS, GARDEN FRONT. .. 152 THE OLD SCHOOL BUILDINGS 158 THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS „ 160 ^be Colfefan.

wo hundred and fifty years ago, on loth of June, the old School on Lewisham Hill opened its doors for the first time to the youth of the Hundred of Blackheath. Elsewhere we have given a brief outline of the steps which led up to that opening day, and the story of the days which followed, since we conceive they should be known to all Colfeians. Two hundred and fifty years is a short life compared with that of many of the Grammar Schools in other parts of England, but it is a respectable antiquity and a point from which to look backward and forward. It should never be forgotten that Colfe's two schools, the (now abolished) Reading School and the Grammar School, were the pioneers of education in this part of West Kent. Before them there were no public schools, strange as it may seem, in Lewisham or the surrounding parishes, and Colfe's continued to be the only public secondary school in the district until within the lifetime of the present generation. There were, of course, the schools in London—St. Paul's, Merchant Taylors', West­ minster, etc., and St. Saviour's and St. Olave's in Southwark— but except Colfe's no other existed in this part of Kent until Sevenoaks is reached. Colfe's has seen Aske's, Roan's and St. Dunstan's estab­ lished, and the various proprietary and private schools which now fill up the gaps in the educational machinery of the district. We claim seniority of place by right of birth, and look to the authorities of the old school to see that that place is not lost in the new order of things educational which must shortly come to pass. Something more, however, than mere pride of place should animate the sons of Colfe, and the high ideal placed before us by our Founder should ever be borne in mind:— "My will is that all mine (both schoolmasters and scholars), "through God's grace, shall be exemplary to all others for a " sober, modest, and godly behaviour in every way, in the " strictest manner." 134 ^be Colfeian

Botes. It has been felt for some time that conservatism regarding the date and place of the Abraham Colfe Club Dinner is not beneficial, and a change is now definitely arranged. One of the best saloons at the Trocad^ro Restaurant has been engaged for 17th November, a somewhat earlier date being chosen in order to avoid the busy time which seems to overtake our members during the weeks preceding Christmas. Old Colfeians, please note! » • « The Old Colfeian Cinderellas, which were held on the 30th November, 25th January, and March ist, went as merrily as ever, and the hon. sees., W. M. Rainer and C. W. Everden, who have a difficult task in providing new attractions so that our premier position may be maintained, while at the same time keeping the balance on the right side, are to be congratulated on the success of their efforts. Thanks are also due to the M.C's, S. G. Nelson, J. P. Larke, and J. E. Blacknell; and to the stewards, D'Arcy Denny, L. L. Duncan, J. P. Earnshaw, C. J. Folkard, E. A. Reed, S. F, Tuck and H. Waterfield, who must necessarily sacrifice not a little of their evening's enjoyment in ministering to the wants of others. Additional provision for the comfort of the guests was made by arranging the supper in two parties. The favourable com­ ments made on this new departure prove that the extra expense incurred was well justified. At the last dance the caterers were not quite equal to the rush, and the stewards had to turn waiters for a time. Something similar to this has happened on previous occasions, and it should prompt the committee to give serious consideration to the question of undertaking the catering themselves. The numbers at the November dance beat the record of any dance we have held before Christmas, and those at the later dances were about the same as in previous years. The financial results were not quite so good, owing to additional outlay on refreshments, but it is gratifying to know that ;^5 is forth­ coming in aid of the Rev. W. H. Longsdon's work in Lant Street, Borough. Mention should be made of the excellent music provided by Mr. Frank Sayers' Orchestra.

It was with great satisfaction that we heard that the Vicar of Lewisham had off'ered the Vicarage of St. Swithun, Hither Green, to our old friend the Rev. W. Hook Longsdon, M.A., and we are sincerely sorry that he did not see his way to accept the offer. As the Vicar remarked, it is a "gallant refusal," for it Ube Colfdan 135 means that Mr. Longsdon prefers to remain for the present in a neighbourhood where increasing efforts must be made to combat the demoralizing conditions of life. His self-denial should stir up Old Colfeians to render him greater assistance and enable him to place his work at Lant Street, Borough, on a firm basis.

We have only one marriage to record this time, that of Herbert Marks, who until recently was Assistant Hon. Secretary of the Abraham Colfe Club. May many happy days be before him!

Our congratulations are offered to:— S. C. Bradford, on taking his B.Sc. (London). W, H. Dencer, on passing the Intermediate Science Examin­ ation (London). A. Mote, on passing the Preliminary Law Examination. G. W. Ruddle, on passing the Examination qualifying as Pro­ fessional Associate of the Surveyors' Institute; and to Ernest Dumayne, on having had the honour of singing before H.R.H. Princess Henry of Battenburg at Ryde in January last, and subsequently having been presented to Her Royal Highness. * • • Promotions, appointments, etc.:— Major Walter S. Churchward, Royal Garrison Artillery, to be Lieut.-Colonel. 21st December, 1901. Cyril A. Shove, Assistant Clerk to H.M.S. Irresistible, 4th Feb- ruary, 1902. On arriving at Malta he was sent to the "Vulcan," a torpedo boat, but in April he was again moved to the "Hibernia," one of Britain's old wooden walls. George R. Byles, Engineer, H.M.S. Eclipse, on the China Station. • • • We have received from T. F. Claxton, F.R.A.S., Director of the Royal Albert Observatory, Mauritius, several interesting papers on various branches of his work in that island—amongst them reports by himself on a cyclone in January, 1901, and the total solar eclipse of i8th May, 1901. Since these pamphlets were despatched to us our old school­ fellow has lost his little son, and we desire to offer to him and Mrs. Claxton our heartfelt sympathy in their heavy loss. 136 ZTbc Colfefan

Amongst the publications of the last half-year we have to chronicle "Barclay & Co., Ltd." a history of the banking firm of that name by William Howarth (O.C. 1869-74), author of "Leading London Banks," "The History of Greenwich," and other works.

On nth March L. L. Duncan read a paper to the Lewisham Antiquarian Society, which dealt with three episodes in the life of our Founder, the Rev. Abraham Colfe, who during a residence of over fifty years (1604-57) '^''^ so much for the people and parish of Lewisham. There was a good audience, but we should have liked to have seen more Colfeians present.

Colfe's will shortly be represented at Oxford in the person of Edmund L. Ball, who was at Colfe's from 1892 to 1898, when he went to the City of London School, and from thence goes to Christ Church, with the best wishes of all his old friends.

Errata in No. 3, page 91.—^The gymnastic medal was awarded to R. A. E. Holmes and not R. Wooff as stated. Page 109.—The one-mile flat race was Won by Ross. We have suitably reprimanded our reporter.

It will be observed that there is little or no School News in this number. For that news we refer our readers to the School Magazine, which we understand will shortly appear.

v» «n dbe Colfelan 137

5tt ipfam /Demoriam. Amongst the deaths which have taken place since our last issue we regret to have to record those of two military sons of Colfe, one a general officer full of years and honours, and the other a young subaltern with all the promise of success before him. General Sir ^neas Perkins, K.C.B., who was born 19th May, 1834, was the son of Mr. Charles Perkins, of Southend, Lewisham. He and his two brothers were at school at Colfe's under Dr. Prender- gast, and we cannot do better than print here a letter received from him in 1897, in reply to enquiries re­ specting the names and services of himself and his contemporaries—it tells the story of 67 years devoted to the service of his country. " It interests me greatly to find enquiries such as you are pursuing being made about the old Lewisham Grammar School. I am the youngest of the three brothers Perkins whom you mention. " Henry George, the eldest of the three, went to the H.E.I. Company's Military Seminary, Addiscombe, where he qualified for the Indian (Bengal) Artillery, and proceeded to India in 1847. Eventually he was killed in action in the early days of the Indian Mutiny at the Hindum River, a few miles from Delhi. He was at the time senior subaltern in ' Tombs'' Troop of Horse Artillery. " Reginald went from Dr. Prendergast's School to Rugby, and subsequently went to Australia, where he died some years ago. " I, the third brother, ^neas, went from the Grammar School to Stotem and Mayor's School at Wimbledon in 1846 or 7, and thence to Addiscombe. From there I proceeded in the Engineers (Bengal) to 138 XSbe CoUeian

India in 1853, after an intermediate course of military instruction at Chatham, as was customary for all the Addiscombe Engineer Cadets. " Such services as I subsequently rendered to the Government of India in various capacities are men­ tioned in the usual records. The siege of Delhi in 1857 was one of the occasions of such services. In i86i we (the Indian Engineers) became Royal En­ gineers. I served from 1864 to 1866 in the field during the Bhutan campaigns. Then succeeded many various forms of employment in a quasi-civil capacity. My services during the last Afghan campaign, lasting throughout two years, are mentioned in Lord Roberts' recent volumes. I was Commanding Royal Engineer with him the whole time, including all operations in the field and the defence of Sherpore in 1879. Sub­ sequent to the campaign I again held engineering appointments, the last being that of Chief Engineer of the Punjab. Eventually I was appointed to the command of the Oudh Division of the army in 1890, and relinquished that command on attaining the rank of lieutenant-general in April, 1892. " As regards the dates when we three brothers respectively went to Dr. Prendergast's School I can­ not be very precise. Henry George went there I think in 1840 and Reginald and I in 1842. Of the School itself I can speak in terms of praise and grati­ tude. There never was a better teacher in classics than Dr. Prendergast, though rather handy with his cane! and I say the same of Mr. Eraser, who was our mathematical master." The gallant general, who died on 22nd December, 1901, was buried at Brookwood, amongst those present being Earl Roberts and other comrades and friends. ZCbe Colteian 139

Hugh Maurice Wood, 2nd Lieutenant 1st Bat­ talion Royal Sussex Regiment, was born on 30th May, 1879, and entered Colfe's on i6th October, 1892. From school, after an interval, he went to South Africa, entering the Cape Mounted Rifles. His ex­ periences when the South African War broke out he detailed to us in the first number of "The Colfeian." He was badly wounded in the defence of Wepener, and was invalided home. After a short stay in England he returned to the Cape, and in 1901 was given a commission in the Royal Sussex Regiment on the nomination of Lord Kitchener. He was attached to one of the mobile columns carrying out the constant driving of the enemy across the veldt, and saw much hard service. In the autumn of last year he contracted enteric fever and was dangerously ill, but recovering was looking forward to a speedy return to England when abscess of the liver set in and he died at Springfontein on 3rd May, 1902. He was one of the best and most graceful swimmers in the Lewisham Swimming Club, and was especially good at water polo. We offer our respectful sympathy to his relatives in their loss, rendered sadder by his early death at the outset of a career of much promise.

We also regret to have to record the death of Edward Rogers, who entered Colfe's in January, 1885, and left as head boy in July, 1890, taking with him the esteem of his headmaster. Dr. Bramley. He was born 16th March, 1875, and died 7th February, 1902. Since leaving School, and until his health failed, he devoted all his spare time to scientific pursuits. 140 Zbe Colteian

Hbrabam Colfe Club. THE ANNUAL DINNER. jo more is needed than a short record of the Annual Dinner of the Abraham Colfe Club, which took place at Holborn Restaurant on gth December last. Some seventy members and friends sat down. This was considerably below the number expected and for whom covers had been laid. In another column a change is announced for next season, when it is hoped there will be a larger attendance, particularly of the senior "Old Boys." We trust also that the Master and Senior Warden of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, who were unfortunately absent, will once more grace our board. The loyal toasts having been duly honoured the Rev. W. H. Longsdon submitted "The School and the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers," to which Mr. Lucas replied. To the Chairman's proposal of "The Club," Mr. L. L. Duncan responded, and the Hon. Secretaries made a few remarks. In deference to a generally expressed wish the toast list was curtailed in order to admit of a more lengthy musical programme. This consisted of songs by Miss Alice Burrows and Mr. L. L. Blacknell, some excellent imitations of popular actors by Mr. Lewis Benet, and Mr. Roland Henry's amusing musical sketch—each item being heartily encored. Mr. Fred. Leeds, Mus. Bac, again rendered invaluable service at the piano. The President-elect, the Rev. G. J. Bay ley, met with a hearty reception, and his toast of the Chairman, Mr. R. J. Ellis, was enthusiastically drunk. Mr. L. V. Cox proposed the visitors, and Mr. H. W. Barker responded. During the evening No. 3 of "The Colfeian|" was distributed, being received with manifestations of approval. Ube Colfeian 141

Colfe Club iRotcs. The Club rooms in Leyland Road have been in pretty con­ stant use since our last report for meetings of one kind and another, some for the transaction of business connected with the many and increasing Old Colfeian Clubs, others for gatherings of a social nature. These latter received a good set-ofF by the opening on 17th January of a full-sized Table-Tennis Table, and a Tournament was promptly held on 20th of that month, when Wilton Rainer carried off the prize, W. Cross being second. A Smoking Concert was held on ist February, arranged by J. E. H. Toy, when the programme was entirely contributed by Old Colfeians.

A Whist Drive on 7th February was followed on the 21st by another Table-Tennis Tournament, and that again on the 7th March by a capital Smoking Concert, arranged by F. E. Dumayne.

The winter season closed with a Ladies' Evening—the Club's first venture in this direction—and, judging by its success, not likely to be the last. In the unavoidable absence of the President and Mrs. Longsdon the company was received by Mrs. Edinger and the Hon. Treasurer. The proceedings opened with a Whist Drive, and during the evening Messrs. Fred, and Percy Leeds contributed songs, and C. J. Folkard an amusing shadowgraph entertainment. A Table-Tennis Tournament and a short dance concluded an enjoyable evening.

The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held on 29th April, 1902, the Rev. W. Hook Longsdon, President, in the chair. The treasurer's statement of accounts was presented and adopted, and the various officers for the ensuing year elected, viz.:—President, The Rev. Hook Longsdon, M.A.; Hon. Secre­ tary, Ernest A. Reed; Hon. Treasurer, Leland L. Duncan; Committee, A. C. Denny, C. H. Dodd, F. E. Dumayna, J. P. Earnshaw (junior), H. L. Pentreath, and Wilton Ratner.

Old Boys wishing to join are requested to communicate with the Hon. Secretary at 26 Leyland Road, Lee. 142 ttbe Colfeian

©lb Colfeian Sports 6roun&.

HE acquisition of this ground of nearly six acres in Horn Park Lane, Lee, due to the energy of E. A. Reed, is in our opinion the event of the season. For years the Old Colfeian Clubs have struggled along with all the disadvantages of distant grounds (or none at all); now all is changed, a good ground close to home has been prepared for cricket and tennis, and will be available for football in due course. Amongst the attractions of the ground there should be mentioned an exceptionally large and convenient pavilion, with dressing rooms and refreshment arrangements. In a far and shady corner an arbour is in course of erection, whilst a tent and a Japanese umbrella of gigantic proportions afford shelter in other parts of the field. The management of the ground will be in the hands of the Colfe Sports Club, of which the following is the Committee:— Chairman, J. P. Larke; Members, J. E. H. Toy (Captain of Tennis), G. F. Norfolk (Captain of Cricket), A. C. Denny (Foot­ ball Secretary), Wilton M. Rainer, C. H. Dodd, D'Arcy Denny; Keepers of Accounts, L. L. Duncan, J. E. Blacknell; Ground Manager, E. A. Reed. The minimum subscription to the Colfe Sports Club is the nominal one of is., for which a ticket of admission to the ground is issued. The subscription to the various sections varies as follows:—Cricket, 10/6; Tennis, 21/-(Ladies 15/-), with 5/- en­ trance fee; Football, 10/-. It is hoped that those who do not become playing members will at least support the Committee by joining the Sports Club and encourage the players by their presence at matches. The ground has a flavour of country about it, and on a summer's evening, after a tiring day, presents a restful and refreshing contrast to the rush and turmoil of City life. Up to the time of going to press the following Old Boys have kindly signified their willingness to become Vice-Presidents of the Club:—^J. A. Anderson, Esq., j.p., Rev. G. J. Bayley, M.A., R. J. Ellis, Esq., Rev. W. Hook Longsdon, M.A., J. Patch, Esq. Others will be notified in our next issue. ;i:be Golfeian 143

©15 Colfefan jfootDall Club.

E have not much to add to our notes on page 124 of our last issue, dealing with the now departed 1901-1902 season, iri consequence of our " reporter" having somewhat curtailed his remarks on this branch of Old Boy sport. Whether it be that he has exhausted his stock of descriptive phrases, or whether he has been confounded by Rudyard Kipling's onslaught upon "muddied oafs," we are unable to say. Although we are rather inclined to believe that more attention has hitherto been paid in our columns to sport, generally, than that subject warrants, we alto­ gether deprecate such an opprobrium as the foregoing being applied to devotees of the game, and regard the epithet as referring more to the spectators than to those who make a game of football play a prominent part in their hygiene. Both teams improved as the season—the eighth in the Club's history—advanced, the first eleven not being beaten after the second week in January. The results of all matches are given below, and it will be seen that the two teams' records are practically identical, each winning half the total number of matches played:— FIRST ELEVEN. Date. Opponents. Ground, Result. Goals. 1901. For Agst Sept. 28 .. . Maze Hill .. Home , Lost . .. 0 . .. I Oct. 5 .. . Metrogas ... .. Old Kent Road .. . Lost . .. I . •• 3 » 12 •• . Blackheath Wanderers . .. Home , Won . •• 5 • .. 0 » 19 •• . St. Swithun's .. Catford . Lost .. 0 . .. 6 „ 26 .. . Gresham ... .. Lee . Lost . .. 0 . .. 6 Nov. 2 .. . Mackenzie Wanderers . .. Wadham Lodge.. . Won . .. I . .. 0 • > 9-. Goldsmiths' Institute ., Home . Won . .. 2 . .. I „ 23 •• . L.C.C .. Champion Hill .. . Won . .. 2 . .. 0 ., 30 •• . Polytechnic .. Home . Won . • 3 • .. 0 Dec. 7 .. . Sidcup .. Home . Lost . .. I . •• 4 „ 14 •• . Fernwood .. Lee . Won . .. 2 .,. . 0 „ 26 .. . Fernwood .. Home . Drawn . .. I . .. I „ 28.,, . Eltham .. Eltham , Drawn . .. 0 .,. . 0 1902. Jan. 4. .. Maze Hill ... Kidbrook . Lost .. 0 ,• •• 3 „ II .. Lee ..Home . Lost . .. 0 . • 3 „ 18. .. Goldsmiths' Institute .. Honor Oak . Won . •• 3 •.. . 0 Feb. 8 . .. Lee ,.. Granville . Drawn . .> I ... . I „ 22 . .. L.C.C .. Home . Won . •• 5 •.. . I Mar. I . .. Mackenzie Wanderers ,,. . Home . Won . •• 3 ... I „ 8. .. Eltham ... Home . Drawn . •• 3 ••• • 3 „ 12 . .. St. Swithun's ,.. Home . Won . •• 3 ... 2 ,. 15-.. Sidcup ... Sidcup . Won . .. I ... . 0 Played 22. Won 11. Lost 7. Drawn 4. Goals for, 37; against, 36. 144 Zbe Colteian

SECOND ELEVEN. Date. Opponents. Ground. Result. Goals. 1901. For Agr'st Oct s ... The School ... Home ... Lost ... 2 — 5 ,,' 12 ... Mount Pleasant .. ... Southend ... Lost ... 2 ... 4 „ 19 ... St. Swithun's 2nd.. ... Home ... Lost ... I ... 4 „ 26 ... Fernwood 2nd ... Lee ... Won ... 3 ... 0 Nov. 2 ... Mackenzie Wand'rs 2nd... Home ... Won ... 3 ... I „ 23 ... L.C.C. 3rd ... Home ... Won ... 2 ... t Dec. 7 ... Goldsmiths'Institute 2nd Honor Oak ... Drawn ... 1 ... I ,, 14 ... Maze Hill 2nd ... Home ... Won ... 3 ... 0 „ 21 ... Mount Pleasant .. ... Home ... Won ... I ... 0 „ 26 ... Park F.C ... Home ... Won ... 3 ... 0 ,, 28 ... Eltham 2nd ... Home ... Lost ... 0 ... I 1902. Jan. 4 ... Fernwood 2nd ... Home .. Won ... 7 ... I „ II ... Lee 2nd ... Granville...... Lost ... 0 ••• S „ 18 ... Goldsmiths'Institute 2nd Home ... Drawn ... 0 .;. 0 „ 25 ... The School ... Home ... Won ... 4 ... I Feb. I ... Polytechnic "F".. ... Home ... Won ... I ... 0 „ 8 ... Lee 2nd ... Home ... Drawn ... i ... I Mar. 8 ... Eltham 2nd ... Eltham ...... Lost ... 2 ... 4 ,, 19 ... St. Swithun's 2nd.. ... Home ... Lost ... 0 ... 4 „ 29 ... Overie Park ' .. ... Home ... Won ...12 ... 4 Played 20. Won 10. Lost 7. Drawn 3. Goals for, 48; against 37-

The positions occupied by the Club in I)ivision s I and II of the League are as follows :— SOUTH-EAST LONDON LEAGUE. DIVISION I. Played Won. Lost. Drawn Gls. for. Gls. agrst. Pta. Lee 10 . .. 6 ... 2 ... 2 .. 23 ... 13 . .. 14 St. Swithun's 10 . .. 5 ... 3 ... 2 .. 31 ... 17 . .. 12 Ettham 10 . . 4 ... 3 — 3 .. 16 ... IS . .. II Old Colfeians 10 . . 4 ••• 3 - 3 .. 14 ... 20 . .. II Sidcup 10 . .. 4 ... S ... I . IS ... 21 . .. 9 Goldsmiths' Institute... 10 . . I ... 8 ... I 6 ... 19 . •• 3 DIVISION II. Eltham 10 . . 8 ... 2 ... 0 •• 34 - 14 • .. 16 Lee 10 . .5-2 - 3 .. 26 ... IS . • 13 St. Swithun's 9 . . 5 ... 3 ••• I .. 27 ... 17 . • 13 Goldsmiths' 9 3 - 3 ••• 3 . 16 ... 15 . II Old Colfeians 8 . . 0 ... s ... 3 S ... 20 . • 7 Sidcup 6 .. 0 ... 6 ... 0 2 ... 29 . 0 Sidcup scratched to St. Swithun's once, Goldsmiths' Institute once, and Old Colfeians twice, conceding the points in each instance. The usual General Meeting to wind up the season was held this year on the 13th May, at Headquarters, very few members attending. W. T. Milton was unanimously elected to the treasurership, season 1902-1903, A. C. Denny being once more entrusted with secretarial matters. It was decided to again join the South-East London League and compete for the London Junior Cup.

Zbe Colfeian I4S (^15 Colteian Cricfset Club. Our last prophetic paragraph on this enjoyable subject (page 114) is now historical. The Club had things in working order with a model ground at Horn Park Lane, Lee, and held its head very high indeed, until, in fact, overlooking the necessity for practice preceding a match, it fell an easy prey to the Cyphers, whose naughty name evidently bears no reference to their scoring capabilities! Colfe scraped up 38 runs, but after taking five wickets for 30 found that the lashing of the Cyphers' tail had a more virulent sting than had our nine bowlers. But being so badly hit has but raised the bump of hope; at any rate this is not given away as a sample of the results of the following fixtures:— May 24 . . Lewisham July i9..,*Marriedv. Single Home Wanderers ,. Home ,, 26...Kidbrooke ...Kidbrooke .> 31 • . Kidbrooke Aug. 2...Old Tiffinians ...Kingston June 7 . . The School „ 9... Panther...... Home .. 14- . [School Sports] ,, 23...*Capt.v.V.-CaptHome „ 21 . . Guy's Hospital / Lewisham Manor „ 28. . Ladies " 3 "^ Wanderers Way July 5 • . Old Tiffinians Sept. 6...Mercatores ...Home „ 12 . .. Inellan ,, 13...Panther Catford

OFFICERS FOR 1902. Captain and Vice-Captain ... Geo. F. Norfolk, H. A. Whibley. Treasurer ... Shirley F. Tuck. Committee: J. Kenneth Bailey, Harold Bills, Percy Ironside, Ernest A. Reed, Harold M. Ross, Trevor Simons, H. Watson. * Secretaries of other Old Boy Clubs with private grounds may help us to better fill the dates asterisked.

This advertisement from the "New York IS peculiarly adaptable here:— " Wanted, (old) boys for work in the field, all weathers, not wanted for short runs, but should be able to drive and be handy with the leather. Saturdays free, (N.B.—Better to be out late than not in at all.) Uniform, white ducks. Spectacle makers need not apply. Don't register correspondence by posting it unstamped!"

The match with the School, the most important fixture of the season, took place on 7th June. The usual "Colfe weather" was, alas! denied us, and a violent thunderstorm delayed the commencement of play until late in the afternoon. The Old Boys won the toss and elected to bat. At first it seemed as 146 Sbe Colfefati

though runs were an impossibility, but thanks to J. J. Norfolk and the Rev. W. Hook Longsdon a stand was made, and a total of 74 obtained. Mr. Creech was in excellent bowling form. The School were unfortunate in having to bat on a wicket which sodden with rain had been badly cut up by the previous batsmen, and their total of 21 by no means, we are sure, represents the capabilities of the team. At the conclusion of the match the two teams adjourned to the Club House, where they did ample justice to the usual Club tea. The full score is as follows:— PAST. PRESBNT. A. C. Denny, b Watson o Mr. Watson, b G. F. Norfolk ... o H. A. Whibley, Ibw, b Creech ... 2 Mr. Creech, c and b H. M. Ross 4 H. Bills, Ibw, b Creech 4 H. Pynegar, Ibw, b G. F. Norfolk o H. M. Ross, c Simons, b Watson 2 K. Ironside, b G. F. Norfolk .. o J. J. Norfolk, b Creech 13 B. Penford, run out 3 D. W. Denny, b Creech 8 W. H. Watson, c Bills, b H. M. Ross 2 E. F. Milton, b Creech ... ., i L. Naylor, not out 2 N. H. Ross, b Creech 3 P. Denny, c Bills, b G. F. Norfolk o Rev. W. H. Longsdon, not out.. 13 G. E. Westover, b G. F. Norfolk 3 G. F. Norfolk, b Creech 4 C. Coppinger, b G. F. Norfolk ... o E. A. Reed, c and b K. Ironside 2 R. Wooff, run out...... c P. Ironside, b Creech 4 Mr. Simons, b H. M. Ross ... i Extras 18 Extras 6 Total ... 74 Total ... 21 Mr. Creech took 8 for 35 G. F. Norfolk took 6 for 8 Mr. Watson took 2 for 12 H. M. Ross took 3 for 7 K. Ironside took i for 9

«M A) «U tlbe Colfe Uennfs Clul). In connection with the Old Colfeian Sports Ground a Tennis Section has been formed. The rules provide for the admission of friends, but the management is vested in Old Colfeians only. The following are the officers for 1903 :— Captain ... J. E. H. Toy. Vice-Captain ... F. E. Dumayne. Hon. Treasurer ... C. H. Dodd. Hon. Secretary ... Wilton M. Rainer, 2 Lee Park, Lee, S.E. Committee ... J. P. Larke, R. Roberts, A. E. S. Payne.

The season's play commenced on Saturday, 24th May, the condition of the courts being most satisfactory, especially considering the short period they had been laid down. It is hoped that all Old Colfeians who wield the racquet will support this Club. Particulars of membership, etc., can be obtained from the Hon. Secretary. "COLFEIAN OF J652, GIVE ME YOUR HAND I" Ube Colfeian 149

Golfeian ot 1652! Give me your hand, I'm a Colfe boy, too ; Tho' I differ in many respects from you We've one thing in common, we've both had a fill Of lessons and things at the School on the hill,

II. They won't be pleasing to one so staid. The changes that time and men have made. But it's little of wrong we do you'll find Tho' we haven't retained your Puritan mind.

III. You'd call yourself, may be, a terrible sinner If you attended a Colfeian Dinner, And think it most wicked, I know, to prance To the music of Sayers at a Colfeian Dance.

IV. A Club Smoker, O fie! 'twould make you grave. You'd say 'twas degrading the way we behave j Man without merriment, say is it wrong The unblushing manner we play ping-pong?

V. Our School song, the " Carmen Colfanum," you'd say Should be rendered more dismally, dolefully; pray Would you think we of evil were sowing the seeds If you heard how we sing it conducted by Leeds? VI. Your methods of living so staid and so good By comparison make us loud, vulgar and rude; We live in our time, friend, even as you. Give me your hand, we are Colfe Boys two.

C. J. FoLftARD. ISO XEbe Coif dan

Xewfsbam (dolfc's) Grammar Scbool. I. OF THE FIRST FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOL.

[T was in the winter of 1545-6 that the Vicarage of Lewisham becoming vacant by the resigna­ tion of Dr. John Crayford, Canon of Salisbury, King Henry VIII presented thereto Mr. John Glyn, doubtless one of the many Welshmen who came to London with the advent of the Tudors. The reformation of the Church of England had commenced, and during the next few years was pushed on or retarded in accordance with the views held by the reigning sovereign. Mr. Glyn appears to have belonged to the Moderate party of the day, and continued Vicar of Lewisham through the reigns of Edward VI and Mary, until his death in 1568, ten years after the accession of Elizabeth. At this period Lewisham was sparsely inhabited : there was no regular village or town, and, so far as is known, no school of any description existed. Such educational facilities as obtained were probably provided by the parochial clergy, the chantry priests and possibly the parish clerk. Mr. Glyn saw clearly the change which the altered condition of things ecclesiastical would bring about, and when he came to make his will he directed that a sum of;^ioowas to be expended in the purchase of lands for the relief of the poor of Lewisham, but subsequently added the following codicil on 22nd November, 1568:- " Item the legacy which I willed in my oder codicill to be yearlye distributed amongst the poore people of the parisshe of Lewsham, now my minde and will is that it shall goe and be bestowed on the finding of a scole for the profitte of the children of the said parishe to be taught there." With this bequest the history of Lewisham Grammar School begins. Mr. Glyn's executors were William Roper, Esq., of Eltham (the son-in-law of Sir Thomas More), and David Morgan, citizen and Sadler, of London, and in 1572 they advanced the sum of ;^ioo to Edward Johnson and Rolsert Edmundes, of Lewisham, gentlemen, on condition that they should obtain a charter from Queen Elizabeth for founding a Grammar School, and subse­ quently employ the money on behalf of the same. They enlisted the sympathies of the Archbishop of Canter­ bury, whose nephew, Mr. John Bungay, succeeded Mr. Glyn as Vicar of Lewisham, and on 31st July, 1574, a royal charter was Cbe Coif clan is' granted for founding a school to be called " The Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth in Lewesham." The charter nominated the first body of Governors, twenty in number, including the Bishop of Rochester, the Vicar of Lewisham, and most of the principal gentry of the neighbour­ hood, and vacancies were to be filled up from time to time. The School Staff was to consist of a Master and an Usher, who were to be elected by the Governors and removable at pleasure. No mention is made in the charter of any endowment, and it was evidently intended that Mr. Glyn's ;^ioo should be laid out in purchasing land for the purpose. This, however, was never done. Steps seem to have been taken to proceed with the project, and there are one or two bequests by parishioners towards the erection of the school, but to what extent the scheme was carried out there is no record to show. Matters were in this state when at Michaelmas, 1604, Mr. Abraham Colfe, then just over twenty-four years of age, came to Lewisham as curate. II. OF THE BUILDING OF THE SCHOOL BY MR. COLFE. Abraham Colfe was the eldest son of the Rev. Richard Colfe, D.D., Prebendary of Canterbury. He was born at Canterbury on 7th August, 1580, and baptized in the Church of Holy Cross, next the West Gate of that city, in which church there is a monument to his grandfather, Amandus Colfe. He was educated at the King's School at Canterbury, and at Christ Church, Oxford, whither he proceeded at the age of fourteen. He took his degrees, was ordained in 1604 by the Bishop of Rochester, and came to Lewisham, firstly as curate, but in 1610 was appointed vicar. Amongst those present when he was instituted to the Vicarage was one William Hurpoole, who is described as "Schoolmaster of Lewisham," and this would appear to be evidence that the Grammar School was in existence. In 1613 all the Governors appointed by the foundation charter were dead save one, Mr. Edmund Style, and he, on i8th March, 1613, appointed a fresh body of Governors, including the Earl of Northampton, the Bishop of Rochester, Mr. Abraham Colfe, and others of good standing in the neighbourhood, " to thentent that the good intended by her said late Majestic toward the said Free Grammer School may be revived and contynued." What steps were taken are not recorded, but whatever was done did not result in the School being placed in a sound financial condition, and about 1630 Mr. Colfe seems to have made up his mind to build and endow the school himself. For 152 t!;be Coltetan this purpose he bought land near the Parish Church and at Sydenham, and approached the Leathersellers' Company in 1634 with a view to their becoming his trustees. Mr. William Manby, the Clerk to the Company, seems to have been a friend, and the Company in 1635 signified their willingness to act. The troubles of the Civil War considerably hindered the work, but in 1647 Mr. Colfe was given permission to enclose the waste land lying on the side of the hill going up to Blackheath, and to build thereon his Free School. Amongst the documents relating to this period there is a bill dated 14th May, 1651, for " lime and stones already in part and further to be brought in to the building at the Schoole- house," and the following quaint account of the carpenter:— MR. COLFE IS BILL FOR JENERS WORK. For 54 yardes of Winescout at 2 shilling and 6 pence a yard For making the seates Round about the Roome For 2 dayes worke The som is

At last all was ready, and the School, together with a Library, was opened on the Thursday in Whitsun week, loth June, 1652. III. OF THE SCHOOL AS FOUNDED BY MR. COLFE. In his will Mr. Colfe left very full instructions as to the manner in which the School was to be carried on. From these it is evident that his desire was to create a foundation on similar lines to Westminster, St. Paul's, Merchant Taylors' and such-like schools. The statutes or orders for the governance of the School are full of interesting matter, which it is not possible to reproduce here, but the following summary will give some idea of the School as contemplated by the founder, and as no doubt carried on in its early days :— The foundation • scholars to be taught freely were to be thirty-one in number, selected from the various parishes in the Hundred of Blackheath, and were to be the sons of poor persons, " so the children be of good wit and capacity, and apt to learn." They were to be able to read very well, and be entered well in the Latin Accidence, and also able to write a legible hand, all which things sons of poor folk could have learnt at the Reading School founded by Mr, Colfe at the same time. New boys were to bring with them a little Bible, Psalm Book and other books and papers, pens, ink, and a satchel. THE OLD SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

The Headmaster's House was erected hv Mr. Colle in 1652. The wooden portion on th e rig-ht was added by Mr. Norton about ' 750, rhat on the left was bu ilt in ,807. Zbe Colfeian 153

Other boys might also be received by the master, whose house would accommodate twenty-six boarders. The charge for teaching sons of " ordinary people" and yeomen was not to be more than 8s. a quarter, and los. a quarter for children of gentlemen. The head or chief master was to be a learned scholar and exact grammarian, and able to teach Latin and Greek both in prose and verse, and also Hebrew, and so to make every way fitting scholars to be sent to the Universities. The usher was to be a graduate having a good knowledge of Latin and Greek, and was also to be a good writer, and able to teach if need be arithmetic and casting accounts. A writing-master was also to be appointed, and so whilst some boys were to be sent to the Universities others were to be enabled to write well "and cast up merchants books perfectly." The interior arrangements of the School are detailed pretty fully. The boys were to be divided into six or seven forms, and were to be promoted from form to form without partiality, favour or affection. Scholars in the upper forms were to speak to one another and to the masters in Latin, which tongue was also to be used by the masters to all who understood it. The School hours were to be from 7 o'clock in the spring and summer, and from 8 o'clock in winter to 4 o'clock, with not more than an hour and a half at noon for dinner and play. A little bell was to be rung fifty double strokes when the master came into school, to give notice to the scholars. Lillie's Latin Grammar and Camden's Greek Grammar were to be taught, and generally "all the best orders and exercises in use in the Free schools at Westminster, Paul's and Merchant Taylors' School, and in the Public Free School at Eaton." A good Greek Dictionary was to be chained to a desk set up in the schoolroom. In each form the worthiest and best scholar was to be made Captain of the Form, for the encouragement of all in learning. Prepositors were to be appointed weekly to note misdemeanours both within and without the School, and report the same. Prayers were to be held twice a day, when a portion of Holy^ Scripture was to be read by two [or three of the free scholars, and a Psalm was to be sung in the morning and in the evening before the boys went home. Neither masters nor boys were to wear "long curl'd, frizzled, powdered or ruffin-like hair." The scholars were to behave orderly and do reverence to their elders and superiors in the way. They were not to use any clamorous cries or casting stories or fighting, nor use any rude or uncivil word or cries. They were not to be whitlers or gravers of names in and about the windows or other places. 154 ^be Colfeian

On Thursday and Saturday school was to close at 3 o'clock in order that the boys might play. No games were to be played at all within the School, and the boys were not to indulge in unlawful or hurtful pastimes as football, dice or cards, or any game for money, and they were not to swim or wash in the river without leave. The games allowed were "shooting with long bows, stool-ball, running, wrestling, leaping, and other inoffensive exercises." The holidays were to be three weeks at Christmas and a fortnight at Easter and Whitsuntide. Shrove Monday and Tuesday might also be given. About Whitsuntide there were to be disputations upon set questions by eight of the best free scholars, when the ministers and learned gentlemen of the district were to be present. Silver pens were to be given to the three best boys, and these were to be fastened in their hats for a month or six weeks, whereby they might be known to be the learnedest free scholars of the School. When the pens were bestowed the headmaster and the three scholars were to make short speeches in Latin and English. The Governors were also to attend and choose a scholar to be sent to the University, and for this purpose were to bring a learned minister or schoolmaster to examine the boys. Every month each boy was to write the text, "This is Life Eternal, &c.," and at the end of the year, in August, each boy's file was to be examined, and of those who were adjudged to have improved most the four best were to be rewarded. Having thus proceeded through the School the diligent scholar was to be given an opportunity of proceeding to Oxford or Cambridge, and seven scholarships of ;^io a year each were to be maintained. The preference was to be given to a Lewis- ham lad whose parents were not worth more than ;^5oo. In default a boy might be chosen from another parish, but he must have been two or three whole years at the Grammar School. The scholarship-holders were enjoined if they became ministers to preach one or two sermons at Lewisham, and to do some further good to the parish. Such is a brief outline of the School as designed by its founder and depicted in his will.

IV. OF THE SCHOOL FROM MR. COLFE'S DAYS UNTIL THE PRESENT TIME. The first headmaster selected by the founder was the Rev. Matthew Day, an old Etonian and M.A. of King's College, Cambridge, who had been ejected by the Parliamentary visitors tube Colfeian iss from the Rectory of Everdon, and who signalized his appoint­ ment by publishing a little work on the first six books of "The Iliad," which he dedicated to Mr. Colfe. From various papers extant it may be gathered that the School proceeded on the lines laid down by the founder. Boys were elected by the various parishes on the foundation, and the gentry of the neighbourhood entered their sons as scholars. The Leather- sellers' Company, although not as yet the Governors, took a friendly interest in the School, and when approached by Mr. Colfe on behalf of one of the boys, Thomas Cordell, who pro­ ceeded in 1657 to King's College, Cambridge, readily granted him an exhibition. Mr. Abraham Colfe died on sth December, 1657, and in the following summer the Leathersellers proceeded to make their first visitation. This took place on Monday, 12th July, 1658. The following items from the Account Book are of interest:— 1658, July. Payd for a dinner for the Trustees and other charges when we gave the Schooles a visitt and read the Orders to the Master and SchoUars ... £3 15 o Payd for copyng out the Orders of the Grammar Schoole and ingrossing them .. 200 August. Payd for the frame for the Schoole Orders for gilding with the Coates of the Companie and the Founder's i 10 o 1659. Paid the Schoolemaster that examined ye schoUers 10 o In 1660 on the return of Charles II Mr. Day was presented to the Vicarage of Staines, was made D.D. by Royal Mandate, and a Prebendary of St. Paul's. He died in 1663, and is buried in St. John's Church, Windsor. The founder in his will desired that the post of headmaster should be offered to Mr. Peter Samwaies, an old Westminster, who had been ejected from Cheshunt for persisting in the use of the Prayer Book. Mr. Samwaies, however, was appointed Rector of Bedale, and the headmastership was conferred upon Mr. Marmaduke Millington, LL.B., of Magdalen College, Cam­ bridge. Under Mr. Millington the School seems to have progressed, and several boys were sent up to the Universities. The following extracts from the accounts will illustrate this:— 1667. Spent when the members of this Courte with the ministers of this city and others adioyning to Mr. Calfe's School visited the said Schole £3 10 9 Paid unto Mr. Calfe's Schollar, Samuel Alderson, who upon the said Visitation was elected out of the said Schoole, and sent unto the university, for bookes, according to Mr. Calfe's will I 40 1674. Given to the SchoUers for Rewards uppon their disputations, according to Mr. Calfe's will, being laid out in silver pennes 6 6 is6 V^be Colfelan

Upon Mr, Millington's death in 1677 the Rev. John New­ man, M.A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, was elected head­ master. Our information respecting the condition of the School at this period is mainly derived from the record of the various visitations entered in the Leathersellers' Minute Books. In 1678 Salusbury Cade was found "very fitt for the University," and was accordingly elected to an exhibition. He went to University College, Oxford, took his M.D. degree, and was subsequently a leading London physician. At the 1678 Visitation it is also recorded that "the two best schollers held disputations and were approved of, and the Court ordered that the silver pennes be sent unto them according to Mr. Calfe's will." In 1679 complaint is made that the various parishes which had the privilege of sending boys to be taught freely did not fully avail themselves, "by means of which their doings they render themselves unworthy of soe greate a benefit," adds the entry. In 1681 Lawrence Howell, one of the scholars, was elected to the University Scholarship. He went to Jesus College, Cambridge, and subsequently became a vehement Non-juror. He was a scholar of much ability, but his pronounced Jacobite views led him to make a violent attack on the Government of the day, for which he was arrested and thrown into Newgate, where he died. The Governors in this same year (1681) ordered "that at all Visitations of the said Schoole that shall hereafter be performed, prayers, singing of a psalme and service shall con­ stantly be solemnized in the Schoole according to Mr. Calfe's will, a duty soe highly necessary, and which ought not to be omitted." Amongst those who attended the Visitation of 1685 was Dr. Flamsteed, "the King's Mathematician." In. the same year Mr. Newman published a translation of Xenophon's " History of the Affairs of Greece." The Rev. John Turner, M.A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, who succeeded Mr. Newman on the latter's death in 1687, was a vigorous and energetic man, entering largely into the political and religious controversies of his time. That the founder's orders were duly observed there is as evidence amongst the books in the old school library a copy of Hyginus, which was bought about the year 1694 with money obtained from fines from the boys for not speaking Latin, according to Mr. Colfe's directions. Dr. George Stanhope, Dean of Canterbury, who was at this period Vicar of Lewisham, frequently attended the visita­ tions and acted as examiner, and the presence of this learned divine must have been of much advantage to the School. In ttbe Coifcla n 157

1704 Henry Archer was elected to the University. He sub­ sequently took his D.D. degree, and married one of Dr. Stanhope's daughters, and we can if we will picture to our­ selves a schoolboy romance. Another of Mr. Turner's scholars was Henry Raines, LL.D., of St. John's College, Cambridge, Chancellor of Lichfield and Coventry. Mr. Turner resigned in 1705, on being presented to the Vicarage of Greenwich, and was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Davies, M.A. Mr. Davies was educated at Charterhouse, took his B.A. at Oriel College, Oxford, and M.A. from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He was only headmaster for five years, and in 1711 was appointed Rector of Little Hallingbury, and subsequently succeeded to the estates of his great-uncle. Sir Ralph Bovey, at Long Stowe. At this period the Bishop of Rochester insisted on his right of licensing the various school­ masters, and in 1708 Mr. Davies successfully prosecuted a Mr. Hall, who had set up a school at Greenwich without having obtained the Bishop's licence to teach. The episcopal activity in the matter was probably caused by political exigencies, and was designed to prevent the spread of Jacobite opinions. The Rev. James Richardson, M.A., Queen's College, Oxford, succeeded Mr. Davies in 1711, and was master for twenty-two years. There are records of several boys proceeding to the University, and the accounts also show from payment for rewards that good writing was encouraged as desired by the founder. In 1722 there was an expenditure oi£2^ i6s. "for making a new floor and forms in the Grammar School room." Mr. Richardson was in 1721 appointed by the King one of the Preachers at Whitehall, and in 1732 Reading Chaplain at the Chapel Royal there, upon which he resigned the headmastership. He was succeeded by the Rev. Edward Norton, M.A., of St. John's College, Cambridge, an old Westminster boy. During his headmastership he made a large wooden addition to the School buildings for the accommodation of boarders, consisting of a dining and common room, with a dormitory, etc., over. From the burial in 1760 of Mr. Andrew Dubergeux, French Usher to Mr. Norton, we learn that French at this time had been added to the School work. Amongst Mr. Norton's scholars was Joseph Betts, who went up to University College, Oxford, in 1736, with an exhibition, and was subsequently Savilian Professor of Geometry, Passing over some fifty years we find in 1787 the following description of the School : " It is now and hath long since been a considerable boarding school, preserving at the same time the original institution." This, taken in conjunction with the notice in the " Gentleman's Magazine " of the death of the Rev. Thos. Jennings, headmaster in 1767, as " Master of a Boarding School is8 Zbe Colfdan on Blackheath," seems to indicate that the boarding element was an important one at the time. Unfortunately there is no record of the boys who at this period were educated at the School. Of other headmasters of this period mention may be made of the Rev. William Trivett (1794-1801), who from being an Usher at Westminster became Master of Felsted School, which he resigned to come to Lewisham. From 1807 to 1814 the Rev. Theophilus Lane, father of E. W. Lane, of Arabian Nights fame, was headmaster, and in his time the old dormitory and library over the big schoolroom were pulled down. To compen­ sate for the loss of so much accommodation a wooden addition of three storeys was made at the east end of the schoolroom, in which was placed the library, the upper rooms being used by the assistant master. At this time, and, apparently, for some years, the School had ceased to be a free grammar school. The boys on the foundation were instructed in English subjects only, and the headmaster's scholars, who really formed the grammar school, were a separate body. This system was ended by Dr. Thomas Waite in 1819, from which date the whole school was again brought together and taught on the lines desired by the founder. Sir Antonio Brady and the " Knight of Chepe," Sir John Bennett, were amongst Dr. Waite's scholars. The Rev. Joseph Prendergast, D.D.. Queen's College, Cam­ bridge, succeeded Dr. Waite in 1831. Opinions vary as to his scholastic ability, but all are agreed as to the vigour of his rule and the strength of his arm. Many of his boys took honourable places in after life:—General Sir George Schomberg, K.C.B.; General Sir ^neas Perkins, K.C.B.; Vice-Admiral Henry Stirling ; the Rev. Matthew Fearnley, M.A., St. John's College, Cambridge (19th Wrangler, 1847); Surgeon-Major John Wyatt, C.B., Cold­ stream Guards; H. G. Evans, M.A.. Corpus Christi College, Cambridge (30th Wrangler in i860); J. A. Anderson, j.p. (three times Mayor of Favershamj), and many others. Dr. Prendergast had all the natural vivacity and quickness of temper of his Irish forefathers, and bitterly resented some enquiries respecting the School which the Governors felt com­ pelled to address to him after the Visitation of 1844. The breach, unfortunately, widened, and ended in an action being brought against the Leathersellers' Company, The matter was not settled until 1857, and meanwhile the effect upon the School was disastrous. A scheme in Chancery for the future adminis­ tration of the Colfe estate was settled in 1857, and Dr. Prender­ gast then resigned. The Rev.G. F. Lacey, M.A., of Pembroke College, Cambridge, was elected to succeed him under the new scheme. The old From a Drasning] [Dated 18.10. THE OLD SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

The Headmaster's House in the centre and the old Schoolroom on the right were part of Mr. Colfe's original buildings, erected in ,6:;2. The wooden portion on the left was built by Mr. Norton, the Headmaster, about '750, to increase the accommodation for Boarders. Hbe Colfeian 159 school house was repaired, and a new entrance was made for the boys underneath the schoolroom, known as "The Dungeon" to several generations of Colfeians. Mr. Lacey took up duty under very adverse circumstances, and he worked hard to place the school in its proper position. He was achieving a certain measure of success when his somewhat sudden death in 1867 again threw back the progress of the School. Of Mr. Lacey's pupils mention should be made of Professor H. E. Armstrong, F.R.S., LL.D. ; G. M. Reeves (13th Wrangler in 1873); the Rev. B. A. Norrie, M.A., Trinity College, Cam­ bridge ; G. R. Watson, M.A.. Trinity College, Dublin; and H. E. Mon. Camille Barrfere, French Ambassador at Rome. On Mr. Lacey's death the Rev. Thomas Bramley, M.A., of Queen's College, Oxford, was elected, and held the post of headmaster from 1867 to 1895. When he took up duty the state of affairs was far from satisfactory, and the constant unrest occasioned by the frequent discussion of new schemes for the School prevented much real progress being made. In 1879 Mrs. Bramley died, and shortly afterwards Dr. Bramley decided to cease taking boarders, and this part of the School personnel, once its best-known feature, henceforward disappears, as boarders were not revived when Dr. Bramley remarried in 1883. After considerable discussion between the Leathersellers' Company and the Charity Commissioners a draft scheme was issued in 1884, and, as amended, was approved on isth Sep­ tember, 1887. By this scheme the Governors most generously agreed to waive all claims on the School estates, and to rebuild the School—a gift of at least ;;^i6,5oo. During the rebuilding the School migrated to Cliff House, near the Parish Church— an exile of unpleasant memory to both masters and boys. The foundation stone of the new buildings was laid on 9th July, 1889, and the opening ceremony took place on 13th May, 1890. Sub­ sequently in 1894 the Governors built a fives court. Dr. Bramley's great desire was to see the School placed in the position to which, as the oldest educational establishment in the district, it was entitled; and it was a considerable satis­ faction to him on retiring in 1895 to feel that, thanks to the liberality of the Governors, he left the School much better equipped for its work than when he took office twenty-seven years previously. On more than one occasion Dr. Bramley was the recipient of expressions of affectionate regard from the boys, and on his retirement a sum was raised by Old Boys and friends and is held in trust by the Governors, the interest being awarded at his wish in rewards to the three best boys in Divinity as named by the Cambridge University Examiners. i6o tSbe Colfeian

Under the scheme of 1887 the choice of the new headmaster devolved solely upon the Governors, and Mr. F. W. Lucas, M.A. and B.sc, of London University, was selected from many can­ didates for the appointment. The period from 1895 to 1902 has been marked by many changes. The number of boys in the School has steadily in­ creased. The average numbers in the time of Dr. Prendergast and Mr. Lacey were about 60. In 1868 the numbers were about 40, 56 in 1870, 65 in 1874, 73 in 1878, and 92 in 1881, and they remained between 80 and 90 until the exile to Cliff House. With the opening of the new buildings the numbers soon in­ creased and reached 73 in 1895. Since then they have been 94 in 1896 and 136, 169, 197 and 223 in the following years up to 1901, when the school accommodation of 250 was reached, and this has since been maintained. In addition to the careful preservation and husbanding of the endowment—no small benefit if it be remembered how many such endowments have disappeared—the Governors have dealt most generously with the Trust. In addition to their gift of ;^i6,5oo in 1887 they gave in 1897, as a Jubilee Memorial, an extension of the school buildings, consisting of five classrooms and a workshop, at a cost of about ;£'4,ooo. The increase in the numbers led to many additional improve­ ments, amongst which are a Chemical and Physical Laboratory in 1895, the equipment for a Gymnasium in 1896, the five class­ rooms and workshop referred to above in the two following years, and in 1899 the enlargement of the Laboratory; the grounds have been newly laid out, and both the upper and lower playground tar-paved. Athletic sports have been held annually since 1891; at first in a private field, from 1896 to 1900 at the Catford Sports Ground, and since the closing of that ground at the London County Athletic Ground at Heme Hill. The number of visitors and com­ petitors has grown regularly; in 1901 the former numbered 1,000 and the latter 205, with a total of 1,119 entries from the School. The closing of the Catford ground in 1900 led to the en­ gagement of two grounds for two XI's for cricket and football. It is not uncommon for a hundred boys to be engaged on Wed­ nesdays in matches at the grounds and on Blackheath, and at practice at the nets in the playground. The first Aquatic Sports were held in 1901 at the Ladywell Baths, and these sports will be, it is hoped, an annual event. The School has recently turned out some exceptionally good swimmers, and the art is popular. The curriculum has, of course, been modified to meet modern needs and now embraces Scripture, Greek, Latin, French, Ger- THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDlNGS.

Built in ISgo by the G overnors, th e \ Vorshipful Compa ny o f Leathersellers of Lo ndon, a nd a t th ei r cost. The south front s hown a bove was added by th em in 18in a s a further gift. Qbe Colfeian i6i man, English, science, arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, mechanics, algebraical and geometrical conies, which is being replaced by the differential and integral calculus adapted to engineering, drawing, &c. It is designed to lead to the Univer­ sities, the Army, Navy, Law, Medicine, Engineering, and the Civil Service. Greek has been taken very rarely of late years— a sign of the times. The leaving exhibition of ;6ioo» tenable at some place of higher education, has been held by R. L. Hewitt, E. L. Ball, W. Dencer, C. Shove, A. L. Ball, and H. Carter. Among the winners of the Bramley Memorial Prizes men­ tioned above are R. L. Hewitt, E. Ball, W. Dencer, C. Shove, A. Ball, R. Holmes, W. Rose, H. Carter, N. Shove, W. E. Watson, and C. W. Davis. The modest staff, designed by the founder, of a headmaster, usher, and writing master, has grown along with the School, and now consists of a headmaster, a second master, seven other form masters, science master, drawing master, master of music, professor of French and German, gymnastic instructor, and an instructor in woodwork. So has the good and pious work, projected by John Glyn in 1568, carried into effect by Abraham Colfe in 1652, and extended by the Worshipful Company* of Leathersellers in 1890, prospered and gone forward. That the honour of the past two hundred and fifty years may be paled by the lustre of the future must be the earnest hope and prayer of all those who are privileged to call themselves Sons of Colfe.

THE HEAD MASTERS, 1652 TO 1903. 1652. MATTHEW DAY. Educated at Eton and King's College, Cambridge. M.A. 1637. Appointed Head Master by the Founder on the Opening of the School, 10 June, 1652. Afterwards Vicar of Staines and Prebendary of St. Paul's. D.D. 1661. Died 1663. 1660. MARMADUKE MILLINGTON, Magdalene College, Cambridge. LL.B. 1641. Died 1677. 1677. JOHN NEWMAN, Trinity College, Cambridge. M.A, 1676. Died 1687. 1687. JOHN TURNER, Trinity College, Cambridge. M.A. 1683. Head Master 1687 to 1705, when he was appointed Vicar of Greenwich. D.D. 1706. Canon of Canterbury and Prebendary of Lincoln. Died 1720, buried in Canterbury Cathedral. 1705. THOMAS DAVIES, M.A. Educated at Charterhouse. B.A. Oriel College,Oxford. M.A. Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Head Master 170S to 1711, when he resigned. i62 Cbe Colteian

1711. JAMES RICHARDSON, Queen's College, Oxford. M.A. 1709. Preben­ dary of Lichfield, 1722. Resigned in 1732 on appointment as Chap­ lain, Chapel Royal, Whitehall. Died 1748. 1733. EDWARD NORTON. Educated at Westminster and St. John's College, Cambridge. M.A. 1722. He resigned in 1763 and died in 1767. 1763. THOMAS JENNINGS, Christ Church, Oxford. M.A. 1762. He died 1767. 1767. WILLIAM WILLIAMS, Jesus College, Oxford. M.A. 1767. Died 1793. 1794. WILLIAM TRIVETT, Christ Church, Oxford. M.A. 1770. He resigned in 1801. Vicar of Ashbumham and Arlington, Sussex, Died 1830. iSoi. JOHN THORNHILL, St. John's College, Cambridge. M.A. 1778. He was also Rector of Horton, Gloucestershire, and died 1807. 1807. THEOPHILUS LANE, Balliol College, Oxford. B.C.L. 1801. D.C.L. 1814, in which year he died. 1814. THOMAS WAITE, Queen's College, Cambridge. LL.D. 1814. He resigned in 1830, and was afterwards Rector of Great Chart, Kent. Died 1845. 1831. JOSEPH PRENDERGAST, Queen's College, Cambridge. B.D. 1836. D.D. 1842. He resigned in 1857, and died in 1875. 1858. GEORGE FREDERICK LACEY. Educated at Merchant Taylors' School and Pembroke College, Cambridge. M.A. 1841. Died 1867. 1867. THOMAS BRAMLEY. Educated at Leeds Grammar School and Queen's College, Oxford. M.A. 1861. D.D. 1889. He resigned 1895, and died in the following year. 1S95. FRANK W. LUCAS, M.A., B.Sc, University of London.

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IRemintsccnces of tbe ipast, 1835-40. BY THE REV. FREDK. CAVELL.

HAVE been trying to put together my recol­ lections of Lewisham Grammar School but over sixty years is a long time to bridge and I fear what I have to say is not of any great interest. I was at the School, I think, in 1837, and the other Cavells, there were seven altogether, brothers and cousins, between 1835 and 1840. We loved the School as we had much liberty, going where we liked and doing what we liked (within limits), especially from 4.30 to 6 p.m. Dr. Prendergast was very strict and used corporal punish­ ment very freely. He wore his cap and gown in the schoolroom and sat in a high desk up two or three steps. He was devoted to music, and would take three or four of his head boys to the pit of the Opera, incurring other expenses. He was fond of strong green tea, which was brought in for him during school. He was a first-rate classic but no mathematician, so we had an usher. I believe we lived well as the Prendergasts were liberal. Mrs. Prendergast was a very kind woman and was much liked. A sister, I think, lived with her. Besides the use of the cane a favourite punishment of the Doctor's was to seize the hair just above the right ear, pull it very hard and call us "thickheaded blockheads." His hair- pulling propensity was not confined to the above spot and on such occasions we used, on returning to our desks, to open a book and place therein the loose hair, rather glorying in the quantity. "Pren" being very short-sighted (of which, I am sorry to say, we took undue advantage in class) he would sometimes take hold of a boy in playtime and say "Domine, what's your name?" Of course, the wrong one was often given. I very well remember the little trap-door high in the wall in the old schoolroom, but do not recollect Prendergast's use of it. Once Mrs. Prendergast opened it on hearing thrashing going on and said, "Now, Doctor, don't beat the boys so!" The result I forget but the Doctor's astonishment may be imagined. 1 remember on one occasion Dr. Prendergast was standing by the stove talking to us. His gown began to smoke. He said, "What a smell of smoke!" We agreed, but did not tell him the cause—(suppressed laughter). A large hole was burnt in his gown, to our delight, ere he discovered the cause. i64 Sbe aolfeian

I have a Greek Testament prize given to my brother. On it are the words: LEWISHAM SCHOOL, FOUNDED 1652. Above are the Arms of the School. Inside the cover is: JOHAN. CAVELL, dono dedit JOSEPHUS PRENDERGAST, S.T.B., MDCCCXXXVII. Curiously I do not remember the name Colfe as connected with the School in my time. I recollect the Governors visiting the School to attend the annual examination. Only some of the boys were examined and I was not one of them.* We often played at cricket on Blackheath, and although I do not remember battles with other schools I think our cricket pitch on the Heath had been fought for before my time. I do not remember any football. Prisoners' base was a favourite game, etc., etc. Some would angle in or out of a boat. A journal was written by the boys. I remember some lines in it by one of the boys who was supposed to be in love with a pretty girl across the road; the title of the piece was "Over the Way," and I think the two last lines were: "To break the window panes to my enslaver Over the way." Of course fights were common, but at what school are they not? There was a tradition that a fight once lasted three days, but that we received with many grains of salt. Once we had a fight in the playground, about 15 against 15, with head boys on each side. We fought with sticks; a raised place represented a fort, and we tried to take it and drive out the occupants. We went on till we were fairly exhausted, and then we were regaled with rum-shrub, which we drank as water. I got a cut right across my back, which was regarded as a mark of glory and brought forth tokens of approval. I think it was a drawn game; it happened on a half-holiday. Our Tuck Shop was Father Wright's, so called because Wright was an old man. There we indulged in quinces, sweets and mixed pickles 1 I could not manage the mixture now; the idea of the thing is quite enough, but then nothing came amiss. My eldest brother was a good customer, buying to sell again (at a great profit) to boys whom he could trust. * In those days and until 1857 only the Foundation Boys were examined,—Ed XEbc CoWefan 165

The 5th of November was the great day of the year, and we prepared for it weeks before. We went to some fields with hatchets and cut down branches ad lib., which we took home bound with ropes, fights occurring with boys and men on the way. Three tar barrels and loads of billets were brought, and a long pole around which to build. Neighbours contributed, the boys subscribing 5/- or more each, and we had fireworks from London, with men to let them off. The boys had their own squibs, crackers, etc., which they fired off round about the bonfire at one another and the crowd in general, which looked on from the top of the hoarding which partly surrounded the play-ground. The guy was placed on the top of the fire, and there burnt to our great delight. The fireworks ended with "Josephus Prendergast" as the grand finale, amidst immense cheering. To wind up, the boys had supper in their dining- room, and the Doctor's friends apart. On one occasion there were potatoes in an adjoining field, so the next day we got some and baked them in the ashes of the bonfire. "Pren." enjoyed the fun amazingly. I hope these few notes will be supplemented by the recol­ lections of others. If the asperity of school life is as much softened in the future as it has been during the last sixty years such reminiscences as we may be able to place on record will not be altogether without value to the future student of manners and customs.

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Correspon&ence. DEAR MR. EDITOR,—I see in the report issued by the Football Club that "ten of the team have played two-thirds or more of the matches." The regularity with which a great proportion of the team has turned out week after week has been one of the chief features of the past Season, and no doubt this regular support has been the very backbone of the team's success, but I would point out that although we play to win we play still more for recreation, mental as well as corporal. The Club, I believe, has under 30 playing members with which to run two teams, and it can easily be conceived that after the doubtful starters have been eliminated the remainder feel obliged to tie themselves down every Saturday for six months rather than that fractions of an Eleven should be put into the field. I hope every effort will be made therefore to strongly increase the membership of the Club, so that not only a first and a reserve team may be run, but also a third Eleven and a fourth. There will be room for all these teams on the new Field, and with a re­ cruiting ground of the present size of the School with its 250 boys, some 20 or 30 of whom, I suppose, join the "Old Boy" ranks every year, the supply of new members ought always to be equal to the demand. In more than usual haste. Yours, etc., "OLD BO V."

CoLFE CLUB, 26 LEYLAND ROAD, LEE GREEN, S.E. DEAR MR. EDITOR,—In reply to the appeal for enlighten­ ment as regards the reason of yelling at a tug-of-war I should like to ask—Is it necessary to shout during a boat race, a football match, a flat race? Should we be Englishmen, or rather Britons, if we looked on at a keen struggle in which we were interested silently?—No. The reason we do it is that it is inherent in us, it has descended to us from our forefathers, and is one of the peculiarities of Britishers. "SPORT WORSHIPPER." TEbe Colfeian 167

Hnswets to Correspondents. MINOR.—We quite agree, but it is no use attacking us on the subject, we are not responsible. TRUE BLUE.—^The colours now used by the Old Colfeian Foot­ ball Club are those which used to be the School colours in 1870 and onwards. We believe they were taken from the blue and gold cross on Mr. Colfe's coat of arms. VIATOR.—If you go to Canterbury do not forget to visit Holy Cross Church by the Westgate and pay your respects to Mr. Amandus Colfe, our Founder's grandfather, whose monument you will find there. There is also a monument to the Rev. Richard Colfe, his father, in the north aisle of the nave of the cathedral. ONE OF THE CROWD.—We don't believe it. "SOCCER."—Don't be angry, but we have just a sneaking liking for "Rugger." Perhaps it is a reminiscence of our own time at Colfe's, as in our day the School played Rugby, and "Souse" (as we then called the Association game) was nothing accounted of. Be comforted with the reflection that "Soccer" is the older game, and Colfeians of the 17th and 18th centuries must have played it somewhat in that form. CAPTIOUS.—You wilfully misinterpret our expression. We did not say that Mr. X. Y. Z. was enthusiastically drunk. We wrote—"the toast of Mr. X. Y. Z. was enthusiastically drunk." INTERESTED, AND OTHERS.—Quite. Caprice is a characteristic of all the higher nobility, but the reason of the disagreement is really unknown to us. Moreover it is none of our business. Cherchea la femmel DITTO.—The announcement that peace was declared was made on the glorious ist June. ESPRIT DE CORPS.—We have every sympathy with your views regarding the introduction of the few non O. C's into the Football Club. Without them, however, two Elevens would have been impossible, and without a second Eleven the much-needed "new blood" from the School would have gone elsewhere, as has been the case in former years. Does not the end therefore justify the means? %i-' &#

i68 Zbe Colfeian

C. C. C.—At the time of writing we understand that the Sports Ground Committee have not yet closed with any offer with respect to sub-letting. *' HON. SEC."—Please sign your name next time. No notice can be taken of anonymous correspondence. This is a well-recognised rule. B. J., K. M., BILLY AND OTHERS.—Many thanks. Several replies held over until next number.

No notice can be taken of anonymous correspondence. The names and addresses must be given in all cases, but will not be published if a nom de plume be preferred. Communications should be addressed to the Editor, at Rosslair, Lingards Road, Lewisham. Back numbers can be supplied, but the earlier ones are getting scarce. The Subscription is i/6 per annum, post free.

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