Exploring the History of St David’s College School at Special Collections Open Day
A fascinating chapter in the history of Lampeter will be brought to life this May, as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) hosts a Special Collections open day exploring the story of St David’s College School.
The event will take place on Wednesday 13 May at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, Lampeter, with sessions at 10:00am and 2:00pm. Each session will begin with a short introductory talk, followed by an opportunity for attendees to explore a carefully curated selection of archival material charting the life of the school and its place within the wider history of the College and town.
For almost 90 years, the school formed part of the Lampeter campus community. Opened in 1884 in converted coach house and stable buildings belonging to St David’s College, the school operated until 1945 before the building was eventually demolished in 1973. Today, much of what is known about the school survives only through the archives preserved at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, highlighting the important role archival collections play in safeguarding local and educational history.
The school was established following the closure of Lampeter Grammar School, over which the College had exercised some influence. Concerned that a replacement school in the town might operate independently, the College founded its own school, modelled on King’s College School in London, serving as a junior department and feeder school for the College.
Visitors will have the opportunity to examine a wide range of original documents and artefacts, including attendance registers, historic photographs, inspection reports, school magazines, caps, badges, posters, and financial records, offering a vivid insight into school life across the decades.
Nicky Hammond, Special Collections Archivist at UWTSD, said:
“The archive of St David’s College School is only small, but it is wonderfully varied and includes photographs, caps and badges, posters and magazines, as well as attendance registers, financial records and inspection reports. These reveal the beginnings of the school, its gradual decline, and the financial support that the people of Lampeter provided.”
Places are limited, and advance booking is recommended. For further information or to reserve a place, please contact Nicky Hammond at n.hammond@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476