A two-handled cup, with applied fine mask strapwork, crested and inscribed Viro Dilectissimo Johanni Sargeaunt A.M. Regine Scholae Westmonasteriensis Per XXVIII Annos 1919, engraved on one side with the Westminster School arms and on the other with the arms of Sargeaunt. Maker's mark only.
Tuite, John, active 18th CenturyOne copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'I think we called this corner (perhaps erroneously) “Ashburnham Green”. Unlike that of Green itself, its grass was sacrosanct!
None of us had any idea or appreciation of its architectural and historical associations (for which see L.E. Tanner, pp 24-25)
It did seem almost sacrilege to use one end of it for a Miniature Shooting Range - but where else could space be found? (On my return from India in 1945, I found School itself being used for this purpose by some persons, during the ‘Exile’.)
Westminster did not excel at Shooting. On one occasion we were bottom of all the School Teams competing in the Ashburton Shield - despite weekly visits to Bisley. However (a fact overlooked in School Records) G.C. Cobbold (RR) and G.W. Teed (A.HH) won the Cadets’ Trophy at Bisley in (I think) 1920.'
[It is likely 'G.C. Cobbold' refers to Reynold Chevallier Cobbold, one of two Cobbold brothers at Westminster at the time, but the only one in Rigaud's.]
Pencil and watercolour sketch, showing 'The Portico of Ashburnham House from the Front Court'
The Pest Houses or "Five Chimnies" formerly situated in Douglas Place near Vauxhall Bridge Road'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk as follows:
'Memories 1918-1921 (thereafter to Water)
By 1918 Elson was a venerable, silver-haired figure up Fields, yet with many years still to go. Over his many years he prepared and maintained a first-class Cricket Pitch. We were of opinion it was the second best in London - “Better than Lord’s, second only to the Oval”. Be that as it may, I head “Plum” Warner assure us (at a lecture up School in Election 1920) that one reason why we lost so many matches was that Vincent Square provided such excellent pitch within easy reach, so attracted many leading London cricketers; he also appreciated the sumptuous tea provided not only for Teams but to all visitors. (My only memory of Elson is bowling in nets)
Before the acquisition of the Boat House (1921) and Grove Park, pressure up Fields in summer was extreme. Boarders not in the Corps (I for one) played Cricket 5 days in the week, and watched a School Match on Saturday. I have memories of 7 games in progress simultaneously along the S. side of Fields. Once a terrific swipe from the end-most pitch narrowly missed me at square-leg. I had to chase it across six pitches, being cursed at each for interrupting the play! (Tho’ never a player of any mark, I nonetheless retain a love for Cricket!)'
Awarded in memory of Oliver Bennett (RR 1985-1990) who died in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre, New York, USA, 11th September 2001. Patinated metal (bronze?) overcoat with tones of green, two silvered plaques fixed to solid black slate base.
The Old Gate House and Entrance to Dean's Yard prior to its demolition for buildings in Broad Sanctuary
Corner, SidneyGeorge II trophy cup, later chased with rocaille work, fixed upon a modern black plastic plinth base with plaque. Marks rubbed and partially overworked.