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The Departments North London Collegiate School was “…destined…to become the model of girls’ day schools throughout the country.” (Fleming Report, 1944).
The North London Collegiate School Archives contain an impressive collection of primary material dating from the 17th century. It encompasses the foundation of the school and the struggle for women’s education in Britain from the mid 19th century onwards. There is also a wealth of material on the life of James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos (1674-1744), on the impressive residence he built at Canons, and on the subsequent owners of the house.
All sections of the school community benefit from unrivalled access to these unique resources, which are also used and appreciated by academics, genealogists and other researchers. The North London Collegiate School Archives consist of records relating to the history of the school from 1850 onwards, including many items regarding Frances Mary Buss and the development of the school, women's education and teacher training. Miss Buss was central to the establishment of the Association of Head Mistresses, and she and her successors were also important influences in the foundation of numerous schools, and in the wider world of education. There are many books, letters, journals, photographs, admission records, prize lists, personal papers and reminiscences, and information on headmistresses and on eminent ONLs. The administrative records include medical registers and governors' minutes.
There are also many items of local history including material on Canons from the 17th century onwards and on James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos. An important item in the collection is the letter book of Cassandra (née Willoughby), second wife of the Duke. The richness of the collections is improved by the generosity of Old North Londoners (ONLs), who have donated documents, artefacts and other items to the school. Notable amongst them is Winifred Myers, ONL, who was respected throughout the scholarly and bibliographical world for her expertise in the autograph field. Her personal collection of documents on Canons and its owners was bequeathed to the school and has been preserved in the Archives in her name. By means of presentations and other activities, pupils of all ages are able to handle unique documents from all eras, bringing to life in a very real way such historic events as the suffragette movement and life during two World Wars. A particular highlight was the visit of the Prince of Wales in November 2005, during which pupils from North London and from the Robert Clack School in Dagenham worked together using 18th century documents to study the nature of biography in general and the life of James Brydges in particular. If you would like more information please contact Mrs Karen Morgan kbmorgan@nlcs.org.uk , Head Librarian and Archivist (020 8952 0912 ex 430/469).
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