OV’s Library Gift

On Tuesday 4 October 2022 we were delighted to see OV the Rev’d Canon John Wright (Cr 57-65) back at School. The main reason for John’s visit was kindly to donate a book to the School Library.

The book, Jeremy Dupertuis Bangs’s Pilgrim Edward Winslow, New England’s first International Diplomat was given to John last Christmas by his daughter, OV Sarah Thomson (née Wright, E 90-92), who is currently living in the USA and knows how much John enjoys history. OVs will remember that Edward Winslow is part of the OV family, having been at King’s from 1606-1611, as well as one of the first settlers in America and Governor of the Plymouth Colony.

John added, “Although the book can be quite hard going, it is also a fascinating read. I wanted to do something with it and not just leave it languishing on a bookshelf, and the King’s Library seemed the most fitting place.”

King’s Assistant Librarian Marion Capell (Hon OV) was ready to welcome John and his book to the Matthew Armstrong Library as a great addition to the Library’s catalogue for pupils and staff alike. Marion and John had a lovely time discussing both Edward Winslow and John’s time at King’s.

After visiting the library, John enjoyed a quick tour of School with Alumni Relations Co-ordinator, Amanda Sutcliffe.

A particular highlight was the ‘New Block’, renamed the Annett Building in 2001 in honour of Headmaster David Annett (HM 59-79). John’s house, Creighton, had been on the top floor and John commented how it felt exactly the same as when he was in school. He also recalled being taught Latin by David Annett, remembering the Headmaster saying that the class might not know more Latin by the end of the year, but would know enough for their exams, which John confirmed was completely accurate!

John was similarly pleased to see that reading racks were still in what had been the Library when he was at King’s, the Chappel Memorial Room (CMR). The CMR has had a number of uses throughout the years: reading room, library, common room and music room to name a few; it is currently a Sixth Form common room. Of course the tour would not have been complete without seeing the Winslow Building, named after Edward Winslow, which houses Physics and Chemistry and is known to many OVs simply as the Science Block.

Thank you, John, for such a thoughtful donation and we look forward to seeing you back at King’s soon.