At the Society’s May Meeting Radley College’s Archivist, Clare Sargent, gave an interesting illustrated talk entitled ‘Radley College’ : The History of the School, Grounds and Buildings.
Clare Sargent told the story of this famous local school’s incredible development from its humble beginnings in 1847, when it was founded by William Sewell and Robert Corbet Singleton, into one of this country’s leading Public Schools.
Clare said the original school had only occupied Radley Hall (now known as the Mansion) which had been built for the Stonhouse Family in 1720. Before its steady enlargement over many years, involving the provision of many new buildings and acquisition of large areas of the surrounding land. She concluded by giving details of the School’s illustrious Alumni, which included two England Cricket Captains, Ted Dexter and Andrew Strauss.
As we go to press members are looking forward their last event before the History Society’s Summer Break, which is to be an illustrated talk by Bill King entitled ‘The River at War’ : Why the Thames was such an important strategic feature in the 2nd World War. Report later.
The first meeting following the break will be held on Monday the 15th September 2014 in the Methodist Church at the usual time of 7:45pm and will be an illustrated talk by the well known local historian and author, Julie Summers, amusingly entitled ‘Jambusters’ which will tell the story of The WI in Wartime.
Kennington History Society talks are free to members with visitors welcome @ £2:50. Click here for further details and a membership application form.
As previewed in previous months this year’s summer coach trip is to Hereford and is scheduled for Thursday the 25th September 2014. The cost of the trip is £13.00 for Members and £15.00 for Non-Members. Please note we will be leaving earlier this year, picking up from the bus stops on the western side of the main road through the village, starting at Manor Grove at 9:00am and returning to Kennington at 7:00pm.There are still a few seats available and you can book one of these by contacting Mark Horseman on 01865 – 730321 or David Jones on 01865 – 730377.There’s lots to see in Hereford and its wonderful 11th Century Cathedral is the home of the Mappa Mundi,one of the world’s unique medieval treasures. This map of the world is thought to have been made in 1300. There are good shops and of course the famous Cider Museum.
George Ross
