13
OA Book Review
A PREP SCHOOL in SOMERSET
by Garth Pedler OA, Carpenter 1964
he story of the Junior School of King's College, Taunton to 1982.
Founded in 1522 the school was taken over by Nathanael Woodard
in 1880. he book features a substantial genealogy of benefactors;
memories by 25 former juniors from 1925 to 1981; 30 rich
appendices drawn from school archives; and 128 photographs.
Available from the School shop
email: schoolshop@kings-taunton.co.ukgs-taunton.co.uk" target="_blank" title="Visit kings-taunton.co.uk">kings-taunton.co.uk
Price: £15.00
he experience of reading almost any
book can be a unique and memorable
one, but nothing is quite the same as
knowing that the volume you have just
picked up will contain information that
is directly (and often palpably) relevant
to your own life. he thought that you
will shortly be revisiting names, learning
about people and events which you
yourself would have barely missed, or
else have clear memories of, can add
a particularly special thrill to what
happens when you open the cover
and start to pick your way through the
many pages.
From the start I found myself positively
bombarded with information on
virtually every aspect of the history he
uncovers. he sheer content is truly
astonishing and shows an incredible
dedication to research, yet its delivery
is always interesting. he main body of
the book is devoted to a trail of often
touching recollections from former
pupils of the junior school, including
the late Sir John Keegan, and a lengthy discourse from the editor. (Incidentally
Sir John's contribution has been
included in David Gibbs' In Search
of Nathaniel Woodard). In addition,
however, Garth Pedler provides a view
of the history of the school which
is also fascinating. Pockets of quirky
information occasionally branch out
into more widely-known historical
events which might well be of interest
to many non-OAs (my own father is no
alumnus, but he too found the book
very interesting). Illustrious figures such
as Haile Selassie and Professor homas
Huxley make their appearance, and the
section on Nathaniel Woodard holds
its own even against histories written
exclusively on the founder.
he greatest value of this book, however,
almost certainly lies in its insightful
and sensitive treatment of the people
who together tell the story that is its
central focus. he result of reading for
as little as two or three hours is a sense
of deep connection, not just with the
thoughts of the contributors, but with the people they discuss. Former staff
members, headmasters and pupils, as
well as figures from elsewhere in the
school's history, become characters
in a long, ongoing and surprisingly
moving narrative. It demonstrates a
deep understanding and respect for
humanity amongst its many narrators,
not to mention the skills of Garth
Pedler as an editor. I may be far from the
widest reader in the world, but virtually
never before have I felt the pleasure of
such a trove of hidden treasures, facts
and feelings. From start to finish it is an
achievement which few could imitate.
It is more than enough to make me feel
proud to be a Pyrland Pelican, and an
OA, all over again.
"If you know your past, then you
should know where you're coming
from" = Attributed to Bob Marley
(last time I checked the quote was up
outside one of the classrooms in the
history department at King's College,
Taunton).
A Prep School in Somerset: A review by David Bidgood OA, Bishop Fox 2012
Roger Trafford, former Headmaster of Pyrland Hall, says in the foreword to the book
"Garth Pedler has done a remarkable job, encouraging others to write about their days at King's and providing much
information hitherto uncollected.... I commend the book for its breadth of information, for its enthusiasm for the
school, and for telling a personalised story of a happy school."