School Communities: Through the Archives

The history of Chigwell School is not just a history of its pupils and teachers, but also of its Old Chigwellians, staff, parents, governors, and wider community connections.

This edition of our 'Through the Archives' Newsletter highlights just a few key names from across these communities. Click the buttons below each figure to sign up or log in to our Connect site and view image collections related to their time at Chigwell.

Parents

Sylvia Pankhurst (1882-1960)

The feminist and social activist Sylvia Pankhurst was the daughter of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, as well as a parent at Chigwell School. Her son, Richard Pankhurst, attended the School between 1936 and 1938, and is a notable Old Chigwellian in his own right: he was a founding member of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, and a leading scholar in the field.

Click Below to view our 1930s Collection

Governors

Eliab Harvey (1758-1830)

Admiral Sir Eliab Harvey was a governor for Chigwell School for forty-two years, and treasurer for some. He is famous for his role in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and his leading role in the Battle of Trafalgar. Harvey may have been a pupil at the School for a short time, but his main connection with Chigwell was through his position in the governing body. He lived nearby, at Rolls Park.

Click Below to view our Harvey Collection

Staff

Godfrey Stott (1903-1997)

 One of the most famous teachers at Chigwell School is Godfrey Stott. He taught at Chigwell between 1931 and 1952, and is the author of the first comprehensive 'History of Chigwell School' (1960). At the time of writing, Stott had left Chigwell, and was working in Pakistan as the Principal at PAF Public School, Lower Topa. Chigwell School Archives holds a 'Godfrey Stott Collection' which contains a variety of his writings, publications, and personal papers.

Click Below to view our Stott Collection