Rhubarb Issue 12: November 2023

ST EDWARD’S

FEATURE

The Class of 1873 S o just who were the first ever pupils (55 existing pupils and 24 new boys) to be educated at the Summertown site? Their average age was 12.5 years, with the eldest two being seventeen and the youngest just seven. On average, they would spend just under four years at the School, with the longest being eight years and one term and the shortest one term. Twenty-three were the sons of clergy.They would live to an average age of 57.5 years, rather more than the national average of 44 years then. They would be largely untroubled by war, only one taking part in either of the Boer Wars, nine in the Great War mostly in supporting roles due to their age. One however, Ernest Harris, was killed in action on the Somme in 1916, aged 57, the oldest OSE lost in the conflict.Ten would go onto university, (Oxford, Cambridge, and Durham). Careers dominating later were the church (nine), the military (six) and medicine (four) with a scattering of farmers, accountants, and teachers.Three spent all or part of their later lives in Canada, two in Australia, India and USA and one in South Africa. From this group, the most illustrious was, undoubtedly Kenneth Grahame, Senior Prefect in 1874, whose writing skills would be recognised worldwide, particularly The Wind in the Willows in1908.

Miss Felicia Skene F elicia Mary Frances Skene (1821-99) was a highly educated and influential woman – a philanthropist, prison reformer and author. Part of the High Church Oxford Movement, she was a friend to the great and the good of Victorian society – Florence Nightingale, Sir John Franklin and Edward Bouverie Pusey amongst many others, working tirelessly to tackle the problems of prostitution and homelessness in the city.

Felicia Skene with Simeon

Her connection with Algernon Simeon came in 1870 when her home was located directly opposite the entrance to the St Edward’s playground.They became good friends despite an age difference of some 25 years and when he fell gravely ill with diphtheria in 1872, it was Skene who personally nursed him throughout.‘ To Miss Skene, Simeon poured out his heart and tribulations. In return Miss Skene gave him counsel and asylum from the worries that beset him’ (Desmond Hill in St Edward’s First History ,1962). Throughout those first years, Skene was ever-present, helping wherever she could as a part-time matron, part-time hostess and part-time secretary. She was always a figure in the background of the School and a constant listener and supporter of the first Warden. This year, to mark the anniversary of the move to Summertown, Alastair Chirnside, current Warden, commissioned a new portrait of Felicia Skene, painted by Adam Hahn, the Head of Art which now hangs opposite Simeon in the drawing room of the Warden’s House. For the full story of Felicia Skene, see P40 of the Chronicle Spring 2022.

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