Rhubarb 2024

ST EDWARD’S

1930

Water garden beside swimming pool started up.

An agreement was reached to give up the School Farm with the lease expiring at the end of the year. The Duke of Marlborough agreed to sell the land involved to the School.

1931

The Workblock was built in 1930 and opened in 1931, (originally it was called the “Workhouse” until someone pointed out that historically this was probably unsuitable!).

FEATURE

The Outdoor Pool Water Garden in the 1950s.

1933

Fourth Cricket Pavilion opened at Gaudy by Sir Russell Bencraft (OSE).

Workblock under construction, before the removal of all wooden huts,1931.

Six outdoor squash courts were erected by the outside swimming pool, behind the Cricket Pavilion.

A new porch extension was added to the western side of Chapel.

A field called ‘Fair Close’ was purchased close to the School Boathouse by the Chairman of Governors, Philip Emden who leased it back to the School and willed it to St Edward’s on his death. At the same time the School exchanged some land with the owner of the Trout Inn at Godstow gaining some canal frontage. Kendall announced at Gaudy that:‘The School is now permanently set in country through the acquisition of 51 acres of land on both sides of the canal.’ The St Edward’s Farm, present at the School since the arrival at Summertown, was finally given up although the last pig did not leave the School until 1960.

Aerial picture taken in 1932, with fourth pavilion being erected, while its predecessor is still standing (just!) to the right of it. Good view of Field House (later Corfe) in the background.

1934

School acquired 32 acres of land ‘adjoining our fields in the Wolvercote direction, our rural security is further preserved’.

1936

New gates for the Boathouse presented by the OSE Masonic Lodge.

1932

St Edward’s Martyrs amalgamated

The last of the wooden huts were moved from Port Meadow to Avenue Field as the HQ of the newly formed St Edward’s Scout Group, which lasted until 1943 when it was taken over by “The St Edward’s Pig Club” (100% Common Room membership), which was forced to give up when the hut was destroyed in a ‘spectacular fire’ in 1957!

all sports under one banner, with Sir Russell Bencraft as the first President.

Sir Russell Bencraft (OSE).

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