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Busby, Richard, 1606-1695
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Dr Busby, Headmaster. 1638-1695

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'(Bust dated 1895-L.E.T. p39) 1918-1924
There were in my day two busts of Dr. Busby (both presumably destroyed in the Blitz)- one behind the HM’s chair Up School, the other in an oval recess in the Busby Library, above the chair occupied by the Master, in my time I.F. Smedley.
On these two busts was based the most famous of several apocryphal stories currently concerning I.F.S and the VII Form (definitely before my time!), as follows: - I.F.S. had lunched well and wined freely.
[He was in fact a man of most sober habits]
On his return to take Afternoon School, he was astounded to see two busts above his Chair (the other having been surreptitiously ‘borrowed’ from School!). On being questioned, every single member of the VII he could see but one – I.F.S must be “seeing double”! Not convinced yet, I.F.S left the room to fetch Sergt. Bowler for his testimony. As once the culprits removed the second bust, leaving one only.
On returning then with Sergeant, I.F.S. was about to ask him his opinion when he looked- and (still mystified) said instead – “Very well, -er, Sergeant- you may go!”)'

Busby Library

These books catalogued with a 'BUS' prefix were at one point located in the school's Busby Library, a room commissioned by Head Master, Dr. Richard Busby, to house his substantial book collections. This incorporated some volumes which were present at the school prior to Busby's time as Head Master, such as those donated by Mildred Cecil, Lady Burghley, and the library of Busby's friend, Dr John Pell, which Busby purchased after Pell's death. The majority of the books amassed by Busby were left to the school after his death, although some titles were donated to the church he built at Willen, Buckinghamshire, where they later perished in a fire in 1946. Later additions were incorporated into this collection, often donated by Head Masters and former pupils.

Henry Mordaunt Clavering to John Benn

Has heard from a Second Election that the Play is to be continued this year, the Adelphi. The Head Master, educated at the Charter House (see 3), has abandoned Busby's Latin grammar, which formed so many eminent men (William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, William Markham, Archbishop of York, and Robert South, and replaced it with Lily, used by many of the minor country schools. Has doubled the number of lessons and introduced Maths, unknown in their day. The scholars' dormitory now only used for sleeping, and the space beneath it has been converted into 3 day rooms - these alone have fires, and there are none in the dormitory. On the possibility of a Papal nuncio in London (see 31) - perhaps Daniel O'Connell's prediction of 2 years ago will happen, the celebration of Mass in Westminster Abbey.

Clavering, Henry Mordaunt, 1766-1850

Henry Mordaunt Clavering to John Benn

Opens the correspondence. There has been a breakdown of relations between HMC and JB (of unspecified length, but possibly 50 years ago - last meeting ca. 1820) through HMC's misunderstanding of an act of JB's, but HMC is now satisfied that no offence was meaned. Ill health in ca.1820 led him to holiday and then buy a property on Mont St. Michel - compelled to sell this last year because of the 2 cataracts which have blinded him. Also a property in Foret Montier. Quote from Hor.C.2.14, Hor.C.3.6. News of his own family. His epitaph which he has composed. Recalls Vincent's epitaph for Albany Wallis (OW). Used to attend Abbey services, where Howel Holland Edwards (schoolfellow) is a prebend. School much reduced (only 100 pupils, cf. Eton's 800). Refers to the monuments of Edward Smedley, Vincent and Busby. All the old trees have been removed from Dean's Yard. Tothill Fields have been built over (a town with squares and gardens) from Millbank to the Floodgates. Wishes to be remembered to some (university?) friends.

Clavering, Henry Mordaunt, 1766-1850

Dr. Richard Busby

Head and shoulders of Busby wearing academic dress and a scull cap; he is inclined to the left. The portrait is surrounded by a painter oval and Busby's name and dates are painted in the top left corner

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