has been seen, emerged from these difficult times without any actual break in the continuity of its life. The crises arising from the adaptation of old institutions to new requirements proved too great a strain upon many of these ancient foundations, and the disappearance of the old Schools at Halstead, Braintree and Dedham, and the break between 1884 and 1893 in the history of Earls Colne Grammar School show that the Colchester School was not alone in these troubles, and remind us that it could have been among those that succumbed.
For these reasons, then, we may look back upon the nineteenth century with some pride, recognising that it was the School's good fortune that the changes were practicable, and that they were effected by men of ability. Yet these changes were not final: indeed, the latest scheme of management has but recently come into force (October 9th, 1946). So the year 1899 is a date at which this brief history may conveniently close, marking as it does both the end of a century and the end of a distinct phase of the School's life.
The events of the past few decades are perhaps too close for us to view them in their historical perspective, and in any case the two great wars which have raged in this century make this period an extraordinary one. It has not lacked important events, as may be seen in the brief chronological summary appended, but it is at the year 1899 that our narrative ends, and it seems appropriate to bring our story to a close with the same words as were written by Parr in the Liber Scholae Colcestriensis, and indeed at the foot of its last page:
" May Colchester School ever prosper. θεόὺ θέλονιος "
SOME LEADING EVENTS (1899-1947)
1899. " New Scheme." P. S. Jeffrey first lay Headmaster.
1900. Carmen Colcestriense.
1901. " Cloister " row of classrooms opened.
Old Colcestrian Society formed. W. G. Benham first President.
(Dec.) Colcestrian (N.S.). Preceded by three issues of 0.5., published
Southampton.
1903. O.C. Colours red and black instead of red, yellow and white.
" Pre " founded. Colours amber. (Taken over by Governors officially
in 1910.)
1905. Recognition by Board of Education. (First full inspection in 1907
1908. Scheme amended, with Board of Governors :—
Chairman (Mayor) and six members nominated by Town Council.
Five members County Council
One member each, London and Cambridge Universities, Bishop of
Diocese.
Three co-opted members.
Four-House System replaces Three-House System.
School House (School).Parr's House (North Town).
Harsnett's House (South Town).Dugard's House.
New School Colours. Purple with gold badges. The Prefects' caps
carried a gold " halo " in addition to crown, a fashion revived for a
brief period about 1940.
1910. New Buildings opened (1st July).
Park Road Field opened.
