Opening of the Quadrangle buildings

This report appeared in The Standard on Saturday, 23 October, 1926 (note that "yesterday" in the article refers to Thursday, 21 October, 1926). This is an historical record of what happened on that day. It does not reflect the current opinion of Boston Grammar School or of the Old Bostonian Association. Such records should be read critically and with reference to other historical, contemporary and modern works in order to understand their place in history.

Boston Grammar School's New Buildings

Yesterday's Formal Opening by Sir Archibald Weigall: Surprise Visit of Lord Jellicoe

Details of the new extensions: Informative speeches

Boys' Enthusiastic Welcome to Distinguished Visitors

The commodious new buildings

Coupled with one's admiration for the new Boston Grammar School buildings, ceremoniously opened yesterday (Thursday) and occupied for the first time to-day - admittedly among the best of their kind to be found in Lincs. - must be a feeling of real surprise that the School has been carried on so well under the old conditions for so long.

When the School grew and lacked accommodation a few years ago, Haven House was taken over and adapted as well as might be to meet requirements. It proved a poor place for the purpose, but as a makeshift had to suffice. There has been one inefficient classroom off the old playground near the Headmaster's house. In Haven House itself the "Standard" when shown over the premises the other day by Capt H H Morris, at once perceived that things were much worse. The rooms are small and cramped and very dark. In the first classroom on the ground floor it was found that gas lighting was necessary during the hours of tuition. A second room was almost as bad. There was little or no ventilation. Two more rooms upstairs have been pressed into the service and made the best of. Everybody is thankful that the tenure of the place is at an end.

Ald. T Kitwood, Deputy Chairman of the Governors

On the south of the playground stands the Science block built in 1904 and here the physical laboratory has had to be used as a classroom. The arrangement has been very unsatisfactory, as the boys cannot see the blackboard properly. The chemical laboratory has also had to serve as an unsuitable classroom.

205 Scholars

These arrangements have been absolutely necessary in view of the growing number of scholars, 205 this term, and with no other accommodation than that afforded by the old School. Until the new buildings came along the governors were at the limit of their resources in this respect, and the growth of the school was stopped. It is a marvel that the work has been continued so well with such a handicap. The venerable old School, like the extemporised classrooms just spoken of, will not be used for teaching again. Except for prayers, said there daily, the School will be a place of assembly, known as the School Hall, available as required for gatherings of various kinds.

The New Bulding

The lavatory at the north end of the School has been turned into a metre-room (sic) and caretaker's storeroom. At the other or South end, where once stood a glass partition, the space has been walled up, and the School War Memorial moved from the side to the centre over the door. The classrooms now disappear, and give way through into the playground on one side, and on the other into the new buildings. The School is connected with these buildings by a cloister which enters a corridor running round the quadrangle. On each side are cloak rooms and lavatories. Around the three sides of the spacious square are the buildings of brick, faced with stone, substantially built and very nicely finished with wood block floors, all woodwork of the best material, the rooms lofty and well lighted and ventilated, in striking contrast to the old order of things. The electric light is installed throughout, and the buildings are heated with hot water.

Electric Clock Installed

From the cloister on the south side we step into the corridor and come first to the Headmaster's room and lavatory. On the wall of this room is an electric clock which rings a bell in every other room of the buildings at certain periods. Upstairs is a Record Room, and there is also a nice airy room for the use of boys who take their mid-day meals to school. All the classrooms are adequately heated, and the heat in each room can be moderated or shut off independently of the others. As an example of the up-to-date equipment may be mentioned the blackboards, of finely-ground plate glass, and tilted forward from the walls. Single desks are in use. Two of the classrooms are for 20 boys, five are for 25, three for 30, and in addition there is the Art Room and the Manual Room. The total accommodation is for about 250. There is a Sixth Form Room, and over it the Library.

At the end of the corridor doors open out into the ground round the school, and opposite on the north side is a similar arrangement. Classrooms continue along the east side, behind the corridor which crosses the buildings, and in the north wing we find that the Art and Manual Rooms are specially lofty and well-lighted. The Manual Room will be used for carpentry, and there is even an electric gluepot provided. Later on metal work will also probably be done here. There is a Book Store on this side. The "Standard" in its explorations descended to the boiler house and coke store, near the old School end of the north corridor. Here are two compact boilers, and an electric motor pump, the latter for turning on from time to time to drive the hot water through the pipes, as it has a long way to go. The return is through Mr Hill's room and into the playground.

The old playground has been asphalted by the County Surveyor, Major Rogerson.

In the quadrangle of the extentions (sic) grass will be grown between the concrete paths, and this will give an air of freshness and colour to the surroundings. The ground round the buildings will be levelled, and by another season practice nets will be put up for cricket. Only a few items of furniture, which have been held up, are still required to complete the equipment of the new buildings, which are a model of their kind. Messrs W and H Vamplew appear to have finished the contract admirably in every way. The whole inclusive cost is about £23,000, and it will be shared by the Board of Education with the Holland County Council, who are responsible for the buildings. The architect was Mr H G Gamble, of Lincoln.

The Opening Ceremony

The new buildings were formally opened yesterday (Thursday) afternoon by the High Sheriff of Lincoln (Sir Archibald G Weigall, KCMG), the school hall. where the speeches were made being filled. Ald. T Kitwood (Deputy Chairman of the Governors) presided; and supporting him on the platform were Sir Arhibald Weigall, Mr J W Gleed (Chairman of the Holland County Council and Chairman of the Holland Higher Education Committee), Mr A W Dean, MP, the Mayor of Boston (Coun. A K Turner), Ald. A Cooke-Yarborough, Ald. A Porter, Dr R Tuxford, Mr J S Towell, G Webb, Mr C N Tunnard, the Rev. R O Hutchinson, Mr R J Harwood, Mr E J Deal, and Capt. H C Marris (Governors of the School), the Headmaster (Capt. H H Morris), Major O B Giles (Clerk to the Governors), Mr H J Gamble (the Architect), and Mr H H Champion (inspector of Secondary Schools).

Sir Archibald G Weigall, KCMG

Others who accepted invitation were: - Mrs Dean, Mr J Cheesewright (treasurer), Mr B Killingworth (Surveyor to the Governors), Ald. and Mrs Fitzalan Howard, the Rev J H Poole, Dr and Mrs Jennings, the Rev and Mrs Tingle, the Rev J B Cook, the Rev and Mrs Douthwaite, Dr and Mrs South, the Rev G K Wrigley, the Rev and Mrs R Olsen, the Rev and Mrs J Beanland, Dr and Mrs Rendall, Dr E M Turner, the Rev W E Thomas, Mr and Mrs F R Howes, Mr and Mrs F B Rice, Mr and Mrs R Gleed, Major W A Rogerson and Mrs Rogerson, Mr and Mrs Waring, Mr and Mrs G R Comer, Mr and Mrs A Hill, Mr and Mrs H P Clark, Mr and Mrs E W Bowser, Capt and Mrs C Mawer, Mr and Mrs Cox, Mr and Mrs G A Brough, Mr and Mrs Buffham, Capt and Mrs Howard, Coun and Mrs J Tait, Mr and Mrs E J A Christie, Coun and Mrs R Salter, Coun and Mrs W H Lunn, Mr and Mrs Worman, Coun and Mrs J Tooley, Ald. and Mrs C Day, Coun and Mrs F Peck, Mr and Mrs T H Richardson, Coun and Mrs G E Pinches, Mr and Mrs J W Cooke, Coun and Mrs J H Mountain, Mr and Mrs Warrick, Mr and Mrs W E Pearson, Mr and Mrs P J Templer, Mr and Mrs E H Andrew, Mr and Mrs J T Fyson, Mr and Mrs G Bird, Mr and Mrs Wain, Rev and Mrs Sexton, Miss Waldegrave, Mrs Gamble, Mrs Kitwood, Mrs J W Gleed, Mrs R Gleed, Miss Staniland, Miss Swain, Mrs G Jebb, Mrs R J Harwood, Mrs Cheesewright, Mrs W Porter, Mrs R O Hutchinson, Mrs H C Marris, Mrs E J Deal, Mrs Perkins, Miss Teanby, Mrs B Killingworth, Miss Shearme, Mrs J S Towell, Miss Ridley, Mrs C N Tunnard, Mrs Thompson, Mrs J R McKnight, Miss Malkinson, Miss Groom, Messrs Vamplew. Lieut Rice, and Messrs E W J Neave, J R McKnight, (Director of Education, Holland), G F Swain, G W Border, H C Goodbone, Maudson Grant (Director of Education, Lindsey), S C Simpson, P C Rysdale, E Brown, T W Dunn, C Garnham, C E Welberry, F Armstrong, C Robinson, J W Lockwood, G V Clark, S Bacon, E Waite, W H Mason, F B Thompson, A Walker, F R Bastick, P Kitwood, Rex Kitwood, S Lucas, J Cooke, E Sutcliffe, J B Anderson, S J Hurst, H G Woods, J B Ketton, F T Booth, R Fletcher, T A Marris, B C Roe, the Chief Constable (Mr L Johnson) and others.

Oldest old boy

The audience included many old boys. The oldest was Mr T W Dunn, of Cambridge, who was a master at the school 51 years ago. In addition to the Old Boys on the platform there were present the following:- Messrs A W Grocock, C H Adcock, J A Brough, F Shepherd, C Ingram, P Hipkin, H G Woods, T H Lincoln, T Yorkstone, G E Pinches, S Payn, F Thompson, A M Dring, A H Read, V Clarke, P C Rysdale, A Walker, B J Halliday, C Garnham, R E Tooley, R Anderson, A L Tait, R Sutcliffe, W Mason, T Rice, J L Towell, E Clarke, T Royal, S Clifton and F Clifton.

Lord Jellicoe and Lady Galway [?] were also present.

Site of old monastery

After expressing regret at the inability of Lord Yarborough to fulfil his engagement owing to the illness of Lady Yarborough, and also to the disappointment of the Governors in Mr Simpson not being able to be present, Ald. T Kitwood offered a cordial welcome to Sir Archibald Weigall. During the course of his public life he (Ald. Kitwood) had learnt that a chairman should be brief; but in consequence of his long association with the School, he thought he might have some licence on that occasion. For a long time past, the policy of the Board of Education in regard to secondary schools had been of such a character that the attendance at schools like that had been very materially increased. That applied to the whole of the country. They had to improvise various buildings to accommodate the pupils in that school, and he had no hesitation in saying that in recent years, part of the education of the Grammar School had been conducted on such lines as would not be tolerated in any elementary school in any municipal borough in the country, and it was realised that a large scheme was inevitable. It might interest many present to know that the school had been built on the site, or at any rate approximately the site, where an old monastery once stood and were [sic]] the friars of the Franciscan Order lived and laboured and died and were buried. He thought they must express their very great thanks to the Chairman and members of the Higher Education Committee for the sympathetic reception they gave to the extension proposals when they were placed before them. He thought they were justified, because as was well-known to the members, the Governors had not been very largely burdensome to the Education Committee, in comparison with some other Boards, so far as their claims for financial grants were concerned. He took that opportunity of expressing thanks to those who had been immediately concerned with the erection of the School, including Mr H H Champion, who in his tenure of office had had the duty of presenting the scheme to the Board, Mr McKnight, Mr Marris (Clerk to the County Council), who, with Mr Gleed, successfully negotiated the loan, and Mr Giles (Clerk of the Governors) for making the preparations for that day's ceremony. That ancient school, concluded Ald. Kitwood, had sent many into the world, many who had obtained much distinction in various ranks of life, and he had no hesitation in saying that with the new extensions they would resolve to impart to the rising generation that knowledge which enabled them to face life with a brave heart. (Applause.)

Ever increasing influence

The Headmaster said they had met on an occasion which he thought might be described as a landmark in the history of the school. During the centuries of its existence the school had seen many changes, and like most institutions had passed through vicissitudes of varying fortunes. Throughout its history it had faithfully served the education needs of the boyhood of Boston; and certainly during the past 70 or 80 years its history had been one of growth and ever-increasing influence. The new buildings they were opening that day not only marked that growth but also afforded opportunity, as occasion might arise for wider usefulness and still more valuable service.

Early history of the school

"Of the early history of education in this borough," Capt Morris said, "records are scanty. The first reference to a school here occurs in the Act of the Chapter of Lincoln, in which it is stated that on the 15th June, 1327, the Dean and two Canons, sitting in a certain low room below the Dean's chapel in his house discussed the collation of grammar schools in the County of Lincoln, which were vacant, and conferred the School of St Botolph upon one Robert, of Muston. This appointment was continued annually, at least, until 1335, in which year notices of the school cease. The next reference to a grammar school is found in Pardon granted by Poue [sic] Julius II to the people of Boston, at the instance of Thomas Cromwell, in 1510. From this we learn that the Guild of Our Lady maintained seven priests, 12 ministers, 13 beadmen, lights of the brotherhood, and a grammar school. For the finding of these members of the Guild were required, in return for the pardons, to contribute the sum of 5s 8d on entrance and subsequently 12 pence yearly. It is possible that it is from the Guild School that our Grammar School, which was founded by Queen Mary in 1554, may have developed, for the lands and possessions of the fraternity of the Guild formed part of the endowment granted to the Corporation for its maintenance. This hall, in which we are assembled, was built twelve years later. A stone slab over the entrance door records that 'in AD 1567, in the ninth year of Queen Elizabeth, Mayor and Burgesses of Boston, with one ad the same consent, built this school for the instruction of boys in pious letters, William Gannock being custodian of the staple and at that time Mayor' - the translation custodian is somewhat doubtful. For the next 300 years the boys of Boston were taught together in this hall, and it was not until the middle of the last century [19th] that extension was considered necessary, a south classroom being added in 1856 and a north one in 1865. The latter addition is commemorated by an inscribed slab placed over the porch entrance. Its Latinity was unfortunately somewhat marred by a mason who recut it several years ago. In 1904 the need of better facilities for the teaching of scientific subjects led to the erection on the south side of the playground of the science block, consisting of chemical and physical laboratories and a lecture room, and now very efficiently equipped. Those rooms will be opened for inspection this afternoon. Of the Five's Court [sic] I will only say that its lack of architectural beauty has in some measure been compensated for by its providing temporary if not altogether satisfactory accommodation as a classroom.

Capt H H Morris, the Headmaster

"With the increase in numbers during and after, the War, the existing buildings were found quite inadequate, and use was made of rooms in the adjoining Haven House. These rooms, however, were unsuitable for teaching purposes, and some eight years ago the School Governors prepared a scheme of extensions. Unfortunately the economy campaign, which laid an embargo upon all school building, prevented this scheme from being carried out. With the continued demand, however, for admission and the removal of the embargo, it was felt three years ago that new and suitable accommodation was so urgently necessary that it must if possible be provided. The support of the County Council was enlisted, and to-day we enter upon possession of an extensive and very worthy addition to the old School. The new building consists of ten classrooms, art and manual rooms, masters' rooms, prefects' room, library, boys' dining room, and cloakrooms. I am sure you will agree that they have been excellently planned, and that the work had been well carried out."

More efficiency

Continuing, the Headmaster said that with regard to the educational significance of the extension they could not claim they were able to maintain not an unsatisfactory standard of efficiency under the past conditions, but now they would be able to uphold a higher standard. He would be disappointed if better educational progress were unobtainable by the modern accommodation and more fitting environment. He associated himself with all the chairman had said regarding Mr Simpson. What the scheme owed to Mr Simpson he could not express, but they knew as well as he that for years Mr Simpson had taken the closest person interest in the matter and it was to him they were indebted for the new building to the very largest measure. He could only hope that Mr Simpson would be restored to such a measure of health that he would be able to see the consummation of the efforts he had made for the school.

Being presented with a key by the Architect (Mr Gamble) and conducted to the south corridor, the High Sheriff unlocked the door of the new buildings and then returned to the platform to declare them open.

Sir A G Weigall's speech

Sir Archibald Weigall said he would like in the first instance to associate himself with every word that had fallen from the Chairman in reference to the Lord Lieutenant of the County. He (Sir Archibald) attended that ceremony with feelings of both sorrow and pleasure - sorrow, because of the reason that prevented Lord Yarborough from undertaking this ceremony, and pleasure at having the opportunity of taking a humble part, as a very mean substitute for him, in declaring the new buildings open.

A happy coincidence

Before he referred to the actual purpose of that gathering, remarked Sir Archibald Weigall, he wished to remind them of the fact that 121 years ago that day Lord Nelson secured the supremacy of the seas for this country. A happy coincidence it was that Lord Jellicoe happened to be staying with him at Petwood, and he had kindly honoured and graced these proceedings (Applause). It was indeed a happy coincidence that the Admiral of the Fleet, who maintained that supremacy ten years ago, was with them that afternoon. (Applause).

Sir Archibald said he supposed there was nothing in our national life which had progressed so enormously, and with such tremendous results to the nation as the realisation of the value of education to the community as a whole. Thank goodness! the days had passed when the possession of education was supposed to be only open to the few, to the privileged. The people, as a nation, realised that there was no investment of capital that bought such results as opening wide the door of education to all and sundry, that every child in this country should be given, at any rate, a chance to cultivate such intellect as Providence had endowed him or her with. This had brought about, not only by the co-operation of Governments (that came and went), of the medical and voluntary agencies assisting the Government and local authorities, but also still more, he thought by the co-operation of parents and teachers, and even more than that by the co-operation of the pupils themselves. The younger generation to-day, he was perfectly certain, realised what an immense advantage was conferred upon them by all this effort in their interests; and he did really believe that there was a real desire on the part of the youth of the community to-day to equip themselves, even at the expense of, perhaps, giving up some of the time that would otherwise be spent in more frivolous occupation.

Parents obligation to teachers

He did not think that there was a time in the history of the country when we required more clarity of mind than we did to-day. We had to regulate the antagonism between reason and the passion of the mob psychology. Any of them reading the newspapers realised that there was a real requirement for everyone to discriminate between what was important and the relatively trivial, and to bring their minds to bear between reason on the one hand and what he called the passion of mob psychology on the other. They might employ the best architects (as had been the case on this occasion), and they might have the most perfect building from the architectural point of view, and from the point of view of its internal equipment; but, in spite of all that, they might fail in the object of the Governors and the Headmaster had in view - unless they had the personal equation in the teacher. (Hear, hear). He did not know whether parents ever sat down and considered the immense obligation that they were under to the teachers of their children. It always appeared to him, well, it was a job that he would not like to do for anything. (Laughter). Someone had said that poverty was a great evil; but it did not equally follow that material prosperity was a great good. It could only be of great good if it was used to maintain a state of civilisation in which the country now found itself. It could be done only by personal equation between the pupil and the teacher, from the point of view of moulding the character.

Important words for the boys

To the boys Sir Archibald Weigall had a few important words to say. He reminded them that, owing to the Great War, a generation of the country had almost been wiped away. During the years 1914-1918 that generation, which would to-day, have been between 30 and 40, was practically wiped out. That placed a tremendous responsibility on the boys who were now about to leave school. Every youth in this country had a great responsibility directly he left school, but those who were now leaving had an added one, owing to the fact that they had got to try and fill up that enormous gap which the War had left in the ranks of this country. He just wanted to tell the boys that they would find that life became more complicated every year; it was a harder fight than when he was a boy. There were immense responsibilities owing to the possession by this country of its far-flung lands. This nation had responsibilities which others had not got. It was often said that owing to all the efforts which were made in a certain direction, the energy and the vitality, and almost the imagination, of the youth had become rather sapped, and we had not the pioneer-instinct of our forefathers; that the boy of to-day had not the dash, as was the case with their forefathers.

He would remind the boys of this school that there were those far-flung lands crying out for educated men, There was laid on them - which had been handed down for centuries - something which was peculiar to the British race, that love of law, justice, and order, that sort of playing the game which could not be expressed in any other words. It was a great treasure, a priceless possession. He hoped that the boys would not hesitate to go further afield than their own country, to extend their energy, enterprise and enthusiasm, well equipped as they would be from this school.

Sir Archibald said he regarded it a great privilege to declare the new buildings open, and he could only say to those taught and those which learnt in them: "God bless them." (Applause). After the singing of the hymn, "Now thank we all our God."

The Mayor's thanks

The Mayor proposed a vote of thanks to the High Sheriff. He said he had the misfortune not to be a Boston boy, although he was beginning to think he was a Boston man. It would be presumption, therefore, for him to claim to have some affection for the School, but there must be many who like one who now held a very important position in the town, and had left deep mark on one of the desks, naturally felt a deep regard for Boston School. There was some proprietry in his being asked to move the vote, representing the town generally, as he did; and he would like to assure Sir Archibald Weigall that not only the Governors of the School, the Education Committee, and the parents of the boys, as well as the boys themselves, were deeply grateful to him, but the town looked upon his coming as a great honour. He did hope the boys would remember the speech of the High Sheriff, and have the report preserved by them as a memento of that occasion. Boston was a small place, but Sir Srchibald Weigall could not have been engaged on a much ore important task than he had that afternoon. They in Boston took a pride in their Empire, and a share in its burden, and they realised that one of the greatest responsibilities that rested upon them, as with every community, was to ensure that their youth shall be educated to the highest possible standard. That was impossible until they had the accommodation which had now been provided.

Mr J W Gleed, seconded the vote. He expressed the wish that when Ald. Kitwood sent his message to Lord Yarborough, he would say that the County, as well as the Borough of Boston, sympathised with him in his great anxiety. They were very grateful, remarked Mr Gleed, to Sir Archibald Weigall for coming there that day and taking his place. They had listened to a most stirring and forcible speech, and they heartily thanked Sir Archibald for it. (Hear, hear). They also regretted the absence of Mr Simpson, and it was his (Mr Gleed's) devout hope that, although he might not in the future be able to exercise such a great hold in the work of education in the county, Mr Simpson might, at anyrate, be able to come and see the result of the work which he had so ably started. (Hear, hear).

Who has paid?

"I suppose you want to know who has paid for this great enterprise," remarked Mr Gleed. "I should like to tell you in a friendly manner that I have paid for it." - (Laughter) - "I am Chairman, and if we have not paid for it we have borrowed." (Laughter). Some years ago he had the pleasure of giving away the prizes at that School (that was before the war, he believed), and he then said that he would not be satisfied until Boston had a worthier home for education. He only wished that the Governors had started with a scheme then, for it would have saved a few pounds. What was wanted was that the Headmaster could educate just the average boy. In these difficult days one wanted to bring the boys of this country up to be men and gentlemen. They wanted the boys to hold their own, to go forth and further influence the world, and to be able to say: "I was educated at the Boston Grammar School, and I am absolutely proud of it." (Applause).

The vote having been carried with acclamation.

Sir Archibald Weigall announced that he was going to ask Lord Jellicoe to reply, an announcement which afforded the boys at the rear of the hall to indulge in considerable applause.

Nelson's greatest victory

Mounting the platform, Lord Jellicoe said he would speak to the boys of the school on the lessons of Nelson's greatest victory. Nelson had been a great inspiration to the British nation, he said; it was Nelson who largely handed down to the British Navy those traditions which had given the men strength to try and live up to the standard which he set them. The boys knew, as well as anyone else, the great value of traditions in any great organisation, a service, or a school , through many of its trials, because the boys or the men belonging to it endeavoured to live up to the great tradition that had been set them. The boys of that Grammar School had a great tradition to live up to; and that tradition must have been greatly strengthened by what ex-boys did for their country during the Great War. He had read the words on their memorial: "In proud memory" of those who fell for their country during the Great War. That tablet should be a great inspiration to future boys in the development of their characters in that educational establishment.

Lord Jellicoe then spoke of the outstanding characteristics of Nelson - his courage and devotion to duty, his indomitable determination, and his love of country. He pointed out that we were the inheritors of the greatest Empire the world had ever seen - an Empire that stood for justice, and freedom; and he urged the boys never to commit an act which would besmirch the traditions of that great Empire. (Applause).

The School song - "Floreat Bostona" - was then sung; and following, the National Anthem.

Cheers were given for Sir Archibald Weigall, the Governors of the School, and Lord Jellicoe.

Tea was served to the visitors.