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News > Archives & History > The first section of Founders House, built from 1850-52.

The first section of Founders House, built from 1850-52.

Donald Fraser Bett sent in a panoramic photograph of Founders, by David Charles (Stanmore, Bramley, Founders - 1966) taken in his Matric year. Here is a section of the photograph.
Founders House, the South Wing, constructed 1850-52.
Founders House, the South Wing, constructed 1850-52.

The above photograph was sent to us by Donald Fraser Bett (Founders House, 1966).  This is part of a bigger collection that has been sent to the archives.  Unfortunately, it is not possible to reproduce the whole photo due to technical reasons.  However, a few aspects can be of interest to readers (please let us know if you have memories of your time there).

The cypress has subsequently been removed as it was causing a problem for the foundations.

Whilst the tree was there - according to Mr Peter Steyn (Ogilvie House, 1955), a leading ornithologist - owls used to nest in it and if orphaned were raised by the boys themselves, placing them on the window sills in their dorms.  

The windows of the part of the building to the right (which originally was a chapel) were not the correct size when they arrived from England - consequently, it was necessary to add the bottom section (visible in the photograph).  

The cupola (barely visible) has positioned on it the weather vane commemorating Bishops' centenary.

The stone on the pathway was laid by the Matrics of 1957. 

The windows in the roof were added subsequently, in the early 1900s.

The building was designed by the leading English architect William White, the brother of Bishops' inaugural Principal Henry Master White. The original arched windows in the upper floor (the dormitory) were positioned wide enough for a bed and a small side table - the idea was that 'silence in the dormitory from a certain time before bed-time to provide the time for students for their reflection, should prevail.  

 

  

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