One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: '1919-1924 I have often regretted I never took Carpentry as an ‘Occupat’ – at any rate once a week – but I fancy few Boarders did so. We were most of us just too exhausted by 5p.m to think of anything beyond Lib! I do not remember ever going inside the Carpenter’s Shop. From what I recall it was situate behind Ashburnham, adjoining Japs. It was presided over by the Japper little Mr. Green – for some reason always Mr. Green. (I believe he was the only member of the Teaching or ‘Ancillary’ Staff to hold that title not only when addressed by whenever referred to in conversation) I see from the ‘Record’ Vol III he was appointed in 1904 and continued till his death (presumably in harness) in 1933.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: '1918-1920 The Art Room cannot but evoke memories of that peppery Manxman WILLIAM KNEEN who presided there from 1884 till just before his death in 1921. He was regarded not without reason as the most peculiar member of the staff. His diction (much imitated!) was extraordinary, e.g. ‘Will you give me at-tenshon?’ or (by way of punishment) ‘Take a Drill-ah! Take a Drill!’ His methods of teaching would be considered outmoded now – Finding the “common venishing point”, making drawings of the numerous classical plaster casts and (for Prep) time and again “Plen and Ele-vashon”. (Williamson who succeeded him belonged to the then Modern School and revolutionised things). Wm. Kneen only taught the Under School and was a real friends to any who (like myself) loved Art. He died much lamented.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'The (reputed) Star Chamber Doorway (see L.E.T. pp 44-5), another casualty of the Blitz. View from interior of Etheridge’s Room, past the Rod Table (no rods visible, so out of School hours) to Liddell’s Room (C.R. later C.Sh2) In the the Under School we knew little of the Star Chamber of James I, but had a saying: “People used to go through that door to be tortured-and they still do!” The reference was to the fearsome W.G. Etheridge, dreaded by all. He was a brilliant teacher both of French and of History, but a ruthless slave-driver and with a streak of cruelty. (He was known by K.SS in his History Set as “The Man of Blood” – back-handed reference to his detestation of King Charles I) I spent many a gruelling period in this room, first in the Under School, later in C. Upper Shell (School Certificate Form). I owe much to W.G.E.’s teaching, but was not sorry when, having passed School Cert. and attained to C VI, I no longer had to enter Star Chamber!'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'At close of School, following ‘Ire licet’, a School Monitor (in charge of the Door, ‘ostium’) and a Second Election KS capping the Masters. (The junior Master descending amid the IV Form was taken in my day to be W.G. Etheridge, but at this date I think it more likely A.H. Forbes). As a Second Election from Play 1921 to Election 1922 I regularly performed my duty as Monos- tapping on the doors of VII and VI Form Rooms with the corner of my college-cap and announcing “Instat Quinta!” or (when Early School in Summer) “Instat Quarta!” –and on Saturdays or Plays “Instat Sesquiduodecima!” (This was an anachronism, this no longer being the correct hour). Only once or twice (on O.T.C Field Days) did it fall to me to deputise for a School Monitor and take charge of the Door and take my place on the Monos Stone.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'Did ever such a vast building have such a small door as its only entrance? Strangely enough, tho’ College was the most exclusive of all Houses, numbers of T.B.B in Under School used this door regularly, as ‘Prayer Room’ just inside (abode of Second Elections) was used as an emergency Class Room for French etc. Outside may be seen the Monos Stone, even in those days worn way by the seats of generations of Junior KSS sitting against it from 3:25-3:30 pm performing the duty of Watch (shouting “White’s ‘Ming!!!” when the HM was sighted). Just inside this Door was kept (in a glass case) what was always solemnly referred to as “The Great Key of College”. College in pre-Blitz days had of course two floors only. There were no Wren’s on the ground floor (including my two cousins in 1950-6), so College was (apart from the anomaly above) exclusively the domain of K.SS. I entered this Door as a Junior in Sept. 1920, knowing full well what a fearsome ordeal awaited me. Mercifully the systematic bullying of Juniors was mitigated a few days later.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'As detailed on a companion p.c. ‘Lib’ was a blissful hour of respite and peace from 5:15 till House bells rang for High Tea at 6:15. In the right foreground is the Librarian’s table - occupied till 1921/2 by Rev. G.H. Nall (‘Holy Herbert’) or his deputy J.J. Huckwell (Bill), thereafter by A.T. Willett, OW. This main room was occupied in the evenings by junior boys - RR sitting at the far end, GG in the middle and K.SS Under Elections nearest the door. The oil lamps had been replaced by electric light by 1918- presumably before the War. In 1918-19 it was hard to concentrate on one’s reading after 6pm for pangs of hunger, and wondering what would be the ‘barge’ at Tea. Evening ‘Lib’ was suspended in Summer, replaced by Evening Station up Fields.'
One copy annotated on reverse by C.S. Chalk, as follows: 'Typical of Westminsters of my day, hardly once did we glance up from our reading to admire the craft and beauty overhead! Unlike the Busby Library ceiling, it was taken very much for granted, even by senior boys.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: '1918-1924 This would be the ante-room at the Head of Ashburnham Staircase (see L.E. Tanner, p20). The busts are those of Southey and W. Hastings, with the H.M’s chair. About 1922 (under A.T. Willett) this was converted to a Chess Room, the strict rule of silence up Lib being waived to allow the call “Check!” In the ‘Novel Room’ adjoining were displayed various items presented to the School (see L.E.T. pp22-3). There come to mind the rudder of the VIII of 1845, the trireme cast, the bust of Sir Fras. Burdett. Also (not listed by L.E.T.) a block of (?) quartz from Ammon inscribed:- ‘OI ΠAYΛOY M’EΔOΣAN TOIΣ ΠETPAIOIΣI ΛIΘOYPΓOIΣ / ΠPIN ΔIOΣ AMMWNOΣ KEIMENON EN ΘEMEΘΛOIΣ’ (I once met an Old Pauline who explained its origin.) Similar blocks were presented to the Freemasons of five other Public Schools.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: '1919-1924 On the right (then as to this day I hope) is Liddell’s tree. Beneath it the tiny and cramped Bursar’s Office, where the devoted and conscientious but unsystematical JJ Tyson (Ti Ti) laboured six days a week throughout the year (never a holiday save half-a-day for Diamond Jubilee, 1897). Report had it this Office was in such confusion that the Pashley Bowling Cup was mislaid there for 3 years, under piles of files, letters and records. On the ground floor (hidden in picture by the Fives Courts) was the Masters’ Common Room - fittingly described to me by Mr. Smedley when once I appeared at its doorway on urgent business as “The Holy of Holies” Above it (17 Dean’s Yard) was H.BB (now Wren’s, I think - but surely Wren was never a House Master, like Rigaud?) It always puzzled me how 80+ Home Boarders fitted in there, complete (presumably) with Upper and Under. H.BB in my day were a boisterous House, but good-hearted - more congenial generally than A.HH (I speak of course as a K.S!)'
