Betjeman Revisited

Last weekend saw Repton librarian and archivist Mr Paul Stevens give his final tour of the year to members of the public eager to learn of the School’s history and the religious buildings on which it was founded. Nearly thirty members of the Betjeman Society enjoyed a leisurely 2½ hour walk which took them on a route from the Saxon crypt of St. Wystan’s, via the ruins of the Priory church behind Pears School, to the atmospheric tranquillity of the Garth, before ending with a detailed look at all of the rooms in the Old Priory.

The Betjeman Society’s interest in a tour sprang from the future Poet Laureate’s address to the School on Speech Day, June 1956. The Archive contains several newspaper accounts of the occasion, together with a lively collection of photographs of Betjeman at the podium and presenting prizes. Betjeman spoke animatedly and with great humour on the theme of schooldays as the best years of one’s life, but along the way took considerable relish in lambasting sport, science, television, and the building of the Willington Power Station.

This was the sixteenth public tour of the School in 2011, and there are requests by historical societies and social groups on a regular basis throughout the year. Previous visitors have included the Milton Women’s Institute, Etwall and Burnaston Local History Society, and the Derby 41 Club. Although the average group size is 25, the archivist also conducts tours for much smaller parties and tailors each visit to their requirements. Undoubtedly a highlight for visitors is the opportunity of exploring the Old Priory and hearing of its historical importance as the centre of the School for over 450 years. Entrance to the Archive Room offers visitors a unique glimpse at a wealth of written material dating as far back as the mid-13th century. Easily the most popular item is the Black Book – the headmaster’s punishment book - which details all of the very worst misdemeanours committed by pupils in the opening years of the 20th century.