I had always wondered what it would feel like to pull a cord that unveiled a commemorative plaque. The truth is that it does not take long, but is jolly tricky subject for the press to photograph when the plaque is made of glass.
For one moment, some thought that Arthur Ransome’s second name had been spelled incorrectly but Michell (with no T) had been a family friend.
The line-drawing is a copy of one of his illustrations from the first of his twelve well-loved ‘Swallows and Amazons’ books, which so influenced my life, encouraging me to read, draw, sail and explore wild places. I think Arthur Ransome would have been pleased by the fact that he was referred to as a correspondent, rather than a journalist, and would be happy with the position. This is at the top of the stairs, directly opposite the Temple Reading Room.
To read more about this and the speeches please click here
What had not occurred to me was just how many well known and inspirational people had also been pupils at Rugby or taught at the school. My own education was expanded as we were shown around.
We found Lewis Carroll’s plaque along with many others in the chapel. Arthur Ransome had been allocated his old study.
Rupert Brooks, poet of the First World War who died in 1915, is also commemorated in the chapel ~
I gather Arthur Ransome didn’t like the rugger pitch much but it was on this field that they first picked up the ball and ran with it.
To read the excellent article in the Rugby and Lutterworth Observer please click here.
Sophie Neville 