Lessons in history

1:15pm Thursday 24th March 2005

The prestigious North London Collegiate School has welcomed new insights into its past provided by a bequest from a former pupil.

International antiquarian book dealer and autograph collector Winifred Myers built up a fascinating collection of material on the Canons Drive school and the Chandos estate on which it was built.

The bequest, made earlier this year, coincides with a new purpose-built archive room built last summer at the school.

"A big aspect of the archive is the actual history of the school," said Karen Morgan, senior librarian and archivist.

"We were the first girls' school in Britain and founder Frances Mary Buss was the first person to use the title headmistress."

But the school, which was founded in 1850 and celebrated 155 years of its existence on its Founder's Day yesterday, is only part of the story.

Before the site in Edgware was bought by North London Collegiate in 1929, Canons had already enjoyed a long and varied history. Sir Thomas Lake, James I's Chancellor of the Exchequer, built a mansion on the site.

Ms Myers' collection includes a 1604 manuscript entitled Charges Attending the Accession of James I to the English Throne, and of the Progress from Edinburgh to London in other words, the King's wardrobe expenses'.

Canons continued to attract attention: the Duke of Chandos built his palace there in 1711-1720 and had as his master of music the composer Handel, before the Duke was bankrupted by the South Sea Bubble and his palace pulled down and sold off.

Cabinet maker William Hallett built the present house in 1760, which has been owned by Colonel Denis O'Kelly, the owner of Eclipse, arguably the greatest racehorse in history, said to be buried in the grounds, and Sir Arthur du Cros, owner of the Dunlop Rubber Company.

Current headteacher Bernice McCabe said in her Founder's Day speech: "18th Century echoes remain within our grounds: the miniature classical temple by the south courts; the rose garden, steps and walkways and lime avenue all recall a past era."

To request an appointment to see the collection, call the school on 020 8952 0912.