Hampton School dates its foundation to 1556/7 when, thanks to a bequest by Robert Hammond, a prominent local businessman, provision was made for the elementary instruction of local children by the Vicar of St Mary’s, Hampton-on-Thames:
the vicar, churchwardens and parishioners shall cause a free scoole to be kepte … for euer more to thentent that the children there shalbe brought vpp shall praye for my soull and all Christian soulles.
The School has undergone many transformations since then and, although remaining in the Hampton area, has occupied several different sites. It moved to its current location in Hanworth Road in 1939. Although it became a State Grammar School in 1910, it reverted to Independent status in 1975.
Today Hampton School is recognised as one of the leading academic boys’ schools in the UK. It has over 1,200 pupils, almost all of whom progress to top universities either in this country or abroad before pursuing a wide range of careers.
The School Song
The Hampton School Song was written by schoolboy H. R. Dawe and put to music by the celebrated pianist Alec Rowley.
It was first performed at the 1930 End of Term Entertainment. The song was traditionally sung on Founders’ Day, after the end of term assemblies and to end Old Hamptonian functions.
A copy of The School Song could be purchased from the school shop for 3d!
The Hampton Mulberry tree
The Hampton Mulberry tree has stood in the Cloisters for over 75 years and continues to produce delicious fruit in the late summer. The tree was first planted by A.S. Mason, Headmaster 1924-50, when the School was located in the Upper Sunbury Road. It was moved to its current position circa 1939. An item in that year’s issue of The Lion reports:
In one of the squares of the outer quadrangle has been planted a fine young mulberry tree … Given freedom from drastic damage there is no reason why it should not live to see Hampton Grammar School three centuries older than it is now is.
Archive
Hampton School’s history dates back half a century and the School Archives are the guardian of its collective memory.
The collection of books, admissions registers, Governors’ minutes, paintings, letters, drama and music programmes, photographs, uniforms, artefacts, audio-visual material and copies of The Lion (the first dating back to 1908) covers all aspects of life at Hampton School.
For a snapshot of information held in the Hampton School archive, please click here.
For all archive requests or enquiries, please contact the Alumni Office, either by e-mail to archives@
The Archives Policy (covering Access and Accessions)
