“The Strong Are Lonely” Sent into us by Steve Villette, this unattributed photo is of the School Play in 1959 – the 50th Jubilee Year. “The Strong Are Lonely” was [ … ]
Category: History
Historical snippet or article
The Fire Bell
By Adrian Taylor, Aged 11 – Taken from his original script – with no additions or corrections A quote from the school magazine, “Ruym”, Summer 1958, Volume 23, No. 4: [ … ]
Sub-prefects 1965
Back Row: Nic Holladay, ?, Andy Thorpe, ?, Phil Povey, Ian Smith, David Lunn, Ken Flower Front Row: Roger Stroud, Peter Smith, Barry Allfrey, John Darby, Adrian Taylor, Barry Collyer, [ … ]
Auction of “one-off” Book on 28th June 2025
For auction on 28th June Annual Reunion Dinner will be this unique proof copy (warts and all!) of the Third Edition of the Chatham House Story. This unique edition contains [ … ]
Treasured Memento…
A wonderful memory from Barbara Rodd of her father Leslie James Brisley. Les was at the School from 1936 until the family moved to London in 1940 and he was [ … ]
After-Dinner Toast at the OR Reunion Dinner, Houses of Parliament, 1973
We were delighted to be sent this after-dinner toast by William Askew (b.1930 – ); given by him at the Old Ruymians’ Club Annual Reunion Dinner at the Houses of [ … ]
David Balchin and Peter Wilson, 1961
David Balchin (L) and Peter Wilson (R) aged 18 in 1961. David Balchin played outside left for England and Peter Wilson played left-back for Wales. Both were members of Cliftonville [ … ]
1975 Kent Schools Under 15 Chess League Champions!
Left to right: Kevin Sperling, Mark Taylor, Trevor Ricketts and Philip Dodds – 1975 – winning the Kent Schools Under 15 Chess League for Chatham House after beating Catford School [ … ]
1997 Promotional Video
The Hon Sec has uncovered a Chatham House promotional video from c1997, showing the Head Teacher at the time, J D Matthews, buildings, staff and pupils. If you would like [ … ]
In Bookstores Now! – The Second Edition Hardback copy of “The Chatham House Story”
It’s arrived! Now available direct from Lulu.com is the A5 248-page HARDBACK Second Edition of “The Chatham House Story” specially produced and published to look great on your bookshelf and [ … ]
The School – c1920 with Townley Castle School Entrance
Here’s a wonderfully clear photo of the School, from around 1920, with the entrance to Townley Castle School visible on the extreme left. The history of Townley Castle School is [ … ]
The Masters – But In What Year?
The Masters… Who’d like to put a date on this one? We’re guessing 1955/58… Lots of familiar faces to us! A young Maurice Jordan, for instance. As usual, we’ll leave [ … ]
Coming Soon at a Bookstore Near You!
David has received so many comments about the First Edition that he’s written a Second Edition! With a publishing date of January 2025 the Second Edition of his book, which [ … ]
New book gives history of Chatham House
Our Hon Secretary, David Carr, recently published his new book “The Chatham House Story”: a history of Chatham House School, its pupils, staff and buildings from its earliest beginnings in [ … ]
My Chatham House Schooldays
My Chatham House Schooldays From days of youth and carefree bliss Sweet memories still of school The countless days 1 reminisce When we were taught by rule L was fifty [ … ]
Seeds of Cricket in Ramsgate
Bob Lee, amateur local historian, Old Ruymian and formerly a keen cricketer has unearthed a number of interesting items regarding cricket at the Chatham & Clarendon Chatham Street site and [ … ]