Memorial Library Centenary Event

On Remembrance Sunday, fifty guests gathered at Castle Campus to mark the centenary of the Memorial Library. Commissioned and built under Headmaster Charles Greene, the Library commemorates the Berkhamsted pupils and teachers who lost their lives in the Great War. The building was officially opened on 27th Sept 1924 by Sir Frederic Kenyon K.C.B., Director of the British Museum.  

Guests were welcomed into Old Hall by the Principal, Richard Backhouse. Following high tea, with piano accompaniment from pupil Sean Walker, the whole party moved to the Upper Library for the unveiling of a specially commissioned artwork. Created by local artist Debbie Shrimpton, it captures the library and its setting with the grass quad to the left and the Lych Gate to the right. Poppies in the foreground are a poignant reminder of the Library’s provenance. All guests received a small version of the illustration to take away.

Under the beams of the Upper Library, two Year 11 boys gave powerful and atmospheric poetry recitations, including Youth in Arms I by Harold Monro and The Solider by Rupert Brooke. Guests were then invited to explore an exhibition in the Lower Library, compiled by the School Archivist.  Exhibits included historic photographs of the library, and artefacts and photos relating to fallen pupils.  

The Library Department would like to thank everyone involved in the planning and delivery of this very moving, yet celebratory occasion. 

Andrea Roberts, Library Services Manager