The OH Club is often called upon to assist with research into the lives of former pupils, and we recently received an interesting inquiry from the Institute of Historical Research. They are researching Cyril Longhurst (11879 - 1948), an OH who played a significant role in organising Captain Scott's first expedition to Antarctica. Cyril was also a key figure in the OH Club, being the President of the Club in the 1920s. Cyril attended Allhallows in Honiton from 1889 to 1896, and the institute is particularly interested in his time at school, what life would have been like for him, and his achievements.

As a Club, we're fortunate to have excellent records that we can reference, helping us continue to uncover and share these valuable historical stories. It's always rewarding to contribute to preserving the history of our former students!

During this research into Cyril's time at Allhallows, we came across a captivating account that sheds light on what school life would have been like for pupils before the turn of the century. In the 1870s, the Headmaster was Rev. Thomas Izod.

This remarkable first-hand account, shared by pupil J.E. Case, offers insight into the challenges faced by students at the time. While the narrative is difficult, it is very much a reflection of its era. One particularly intriguing story involves pupils setting off an explosion in their school desks, which resonates with a similar tale from another public school, Weymouth College, in the 1930s, where students engaged in similar mischievous antics. It’s a fascinating glimpse into life at Allhallows in Honiton.

You can see the document by  J.E. Case here.