Elmfield College
Encyclopedia
Elmfield College, York (1864–1932), originally called "Connexional College" or "Jubilee College" (or School) in honour of the Primitive Methodist Silver Jubilee
in 1860, was a Primitive Methodist college on the outskirts of Heworth
, York
, England, near Monk Stray.
William Clowes
, the Primitive Methodist evangelist, first preached in York in May 1819. On this occasion, when he held his meeting in Pavement, 'the people drew up in considerable numbers'. Clowes announced that he would preach again in a fortnight's time but in fact his second visit was not made until some six weeks later when he preached in either St. Sampson's Square or Pavement. As a result of these visits and with the encouragement of the 'friends' at Elvington
, which was 'the base for the mission to York', a society of seven members was formed in 1819. This small society rented accommodation in Peasholme Green and was visited by itinerant preachers and by local preachers from Hull and Ripon.
The society remained in these premises for less than a year and in 1820 moved to Grape Lane Chapel which had been unoccupied for some time. This was rented for £20 a year and opened for worship on 2 July of that year. The society was at this time part of the Hull Circuit and regular services were held by ministers from that city and by lay preachers from the neighbourhood of York. The York branch expanded and in 1822 was formed into a separate circuit which included 32 preaching places in the surrounding villages. There was a resident minister and the circuit membership is said to have been 400. It has been suggested, however, that the York society was not then ready for independent status and that it at first met some difficulties. In addition the society suffered from local and apparently purposeless hooliganism. Complaint was made to the magistrates and the chapel was visited by the lord mayor and two cases were brought to the York sessions but the disturbances continued for almost two years.
The chapel was bought outright by the trustees in 1829 for £450, and a cottage converted for a caretaker. About 1821 a Sunday school was opened and accommodated in a room under the gallery which was separated from the chapel by sliding doors. The chapel is described in 1834 as accommodating 684 persons. Between 1836 and 1850 membership increased from 90 to 159 persons. Grape Lane Chapel was vacated in 1851 and later became a warehouse and furniture store; in 1956 it was derelict.
and the solicitor William Singleton
(d.1860).
was the first Governor, and James Kyle Dall
the first Headmaster.
In 1865 the college had 92 boarders, 8 day pupils, and a staff of 6, with 3 part-time assistants. The average boarders' fee was £31. The school was enlarged in that year and 15 students for the ministry were admitted.
"In the valleys of the Allen mighty seasons of power from on high have been experienced from the days of Batty, Garner, Flesher, and Harland onwards. Such was the case in a marked degree in 1825, in 1831-2, in 1844, in 1852-3, in 1859-60, and so forth. Catton was baptised in a marvellous manner in 1831. During the next year at Keenley many were converted, Joseph Ritson among the number; his sweetheart, Jane Clemitson, and seven months afterwards she became his wife; and his companion, “Neddy” Henderson, who served Allendale
and North Shields Circuits as a local preacher in after years. Joseph Ritson was subsequently the leading figure in Primitive Methodism in West Allen, and he gave to the Connexion one of its foremost ministers of the present time. Joseph commenced business at Ninebanks as builder and joiner, built up a prosperous trade, and was known and trusted all round as a man of character and probity. Frank, manly, free from cant, inclined to sternness and severity, yet having the heart of a child, his worldly success never cooled his devotion in the Lord’s service, and a revival was his joy. His house was the home of the preachers, and his attachment to them was very close. On a Sunday in July, 1878, he attended services at Corry Hill conducted by his son — the present editor — prayed with much fervour in the prayer meeting, and within a fortnight “passed on.” His eldest son Thomas is a local preacher in the Haltwhistle
circult; John, the second son, was a class-leader at Ninebanks
when he died some years ago; Ann, the second daughter, deeply spiritual, morally beautiful, cultured even, remarkable in many ways, became the devoted wife of Robert Clemitson, but was taken away in the fulness of her powers; Joseph, the youngest born, far and away the chiefest of them all, who, when a boy dedicated his life to the Lord, was made a local preacher at sixteen, when he returned home from Elmfield College, at seventeen returned to Elmfield as a teacher, at twenty went as a master to Woodhouse Grove, the Wesleyan school for ministers’ sons, simultaneously received invitations from both Connexions to become a minister, entered the Primitive Methodist itinerancy, used untiringly his versatile gifts of mind and soul by speech and pen in some of the leading circuits in the Connexion, administrator and evangelist, pastor and social reformer, preacher and politician, controversialist and novelist, and now Connexional Editor, influencing very many thousands of minds, and displaying an aptitude for the office which has brought to him commendations from the entire community."
From “NORTHERN PRIMITIVE METHODISM” by W.M. PATTERSON,
E. Dalton, London, 1909 - p171-183
W.H.Balgarnie, the prototype for Mr Chips studied and taught at Elmfield. Almost immediately thereafter, he was elected to the committee of the Old Boys Club and began writing articles and poems for the school magazine, some of them extolling
"Elmfield, famed as Learning's blest abode,
And situated on the Malton Road"
financial difficulties, but was reopened in 1907 owned by a company formed by the old boys. A laboratory, workshop, and classroom costing £1,500 were added in 1909.
Of John Heath, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Past and Present tells us that ‘John was reared in England, largely spending his boyhood and youth in Crewe, to which place his parents removed during his early childhood. His education, however, was obtained in Over, where he was born, and attended a private school.’ Thomas Henry's obituary in The Crewe & Nantwich Chronicle for 7 July 1900, says: ‘He had a liberal education, having attended Elmfield College, York.’ Samuel was clearly determined that at least two of his sons should have a better schooling than he had received.
. The buildings were subsequently demolished.
The present No. 9 Straylands Grove was built in the 1920s as the headmaster's house. (The owners have recently renamed the house to reflect this fact).
Number 1 used to have, in its garden, a very basic swimming pool of peculiar (triangular?) shape. Whether the head master allowed access to it by the pupils is unrecorded. Since closure of the College, the house has been an art gallery
and a family home.
Elmfield Terrace and Willow Grove remained privately maintained streets until the 1950s when they were adopted by York City Council. Until this time, Elmfield Terrace was almost completely separated from Straylands Grove by a 6 foot wall (parallel to Straylands) with signs of the gate that must have existed to maintain its private status.
The area now covered by numbers 3-7 Straylands Grove, along with much of the surrounding land which was once belonged to the college, has now been built on.
After 1906 the management was changed so the Headmaster took on the Governor's responsibilities.
Thomas Johnson attended Elmfield College and was Professor of Botany at University College, Dublin from 1890 to 1926.
, Harrogate, the college with which Elmfield merged in 1931.
Silver Jubilee
A Silver Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 25th anniversary. The anniversary celebrations can be of a wedding anniversary, ruling anniversary or anything that has completed a 25 year mark...
in 1860, was a Primitive Methodist college on the outskirts of Heworth
Heworth, York
Heworth is part of the city of York in North Yorkshire, England, about north-east of the centre. It is sometimes referred to as Heworth Village...
, York
York
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
, England, near Monk Stray.
Primitive Methodism in York
The college was a national venture, but tied in well with local developments.William Clowes
William Clowes (Primitive Methodist)
William Clowes was one of the founders of Primitive Methodism.He was born at Burslem, Staffordshire, on 12 March 1780,son of William Clowes, potter, and of Ann, daughter of Aaron Wedgwood, grandson of Gilbert Wedgwood. He was employed during his early years as a working potter.For many years...
, the Primitive Methodist evangelist, first preached in York in May 1819. On this occasion, when he held his meeting in Pavement, 'the people drew up in considerable numbers'. Clowes announced that he would preach again in a fortnight's time but in fact his second visit was not made until some six weeks later when he preached in either St. Sampson's Square or Pavement. As a result of these visits and with the encouragement of the 'friends' at Elvington
Elvington, City of York
Elvington is a village and civil parish situated approximately south-east of York, England, on the B1228 York-Howden road. According to the 2001 census the parish had a population of 1,212...
, which was 'the base for the mission to York', a society of seven members was formed in 1819. This small society rented accommodation in Peasholme Green and was visited by itinerant preachers and by local preachers from Hull and Ripon.
The society remained in these premises for less than a year and in 1820 moved to Grape Lane Chapel which had been unoccupied for some time. This was rented for £20 a year and opened for worship on 2 July of that year. The society was at this time part of the Hull Circuit and regular services were held by ministers from that city and by lay preachers from the neighbourhood of York. The York branch expanded and in 1822 was formed into a separate circuit which included 32 preaching places in the surrounding villages. There was a resident minister and the circuit membership is said to have been 400. It has been suggested, however, that the York society was not then ready for independent status and that it at first met some difficulties. In addition the society suffered from local and apparently purposeless hooliganism. Complaint was made to the magistrates and the chapel was visited by the lord mayor and two cases were brought to the York sessions but the disturbances continued for almost two years.
The chapel was bought outright by the trustees in 1829 for £450, and a cottage converted for a caretaker. About 1821 a Sunday school was opened and accommodated in a room under the gallery which was separated from the chapel by sliding doors. The chapel is described in 1834 as accommodating 684 persons. Between 1836 and 1850 membership increased from 90 to 159 persons. Grape Lane Chapel was vacated in 1851 and later became a warehouse and furniture store; in 1956 it was derelict.
pre-1860
Elmfield House was built c.1832. It appears in the 1841, 1851 and 1861 censuses (and then from 1871 as the College). People who lived in the house prior to the foundation of the College included the musician Frederick HillFrederick Hill
Frederick "Fred" Hill was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s, who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Batley, playing at /, i.e. number 13, during the era of contested scrums.-International honours:...
and the solicitor William Singleton
William Singleton
William Singleton was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1640. He fought briefly on the side of the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War....
(d.1860).
1860s
The school opened in 1864 (although the 1853 Ordnance Map marks the building as 'Elmfield College') after much work by Samuel Antliff. John PettyJohn Petty (Primitive Methodist Minister)
The Revd. John Petty was a 19th century author and Primitive Methodist Minister, and the first Governor of Elmfield College. He was born in Salterforth, Yorkshire and died at Elmfield School, York. Memorial services were held at the little Stonegate Chapel on Sunday 26 April and on the following...
was the first Governor, and James Kyle Dall
James Kyle Dall
James Kyle Dall was the first headmaster of Elmfield College, Heworth, York . Born at Preston in Lancashire, the son of John Dall, he entered Trinity College, Dublin in October 1845 at the age of 21, and graduated BA in 1850. He had been a schoolmaster in Leeds before moving to Elmfield, where...
the first Headmaster.
In 1865 the college had 92 boarders, 8 day pupils, and a staff of 6, with 3 part-time assistants. The average boarders' fee was £31. The school was enlarged in that year and 15 students for the ministry were admitted.
"In the valleys of the Allen mighty seasons of power from on high have been experienced from the days of Batty, Garner, Flesher, and Harland onwards. Such was the case in a marked degree in 1825, in 1831-2, in 1844, in 1852-3, in 1859-60, and so forth. Catton was baptised in a marvellous manner in 1831. During the next year at Keenley many were converted, Joseph Ritson among the number; his sweetheart, Jane Clemitson, and seven months afterwards she became his wife; and his companion, “Neddy” Henderson, who served Allendale
Allendale, Northumberland
Allendale is a large village in south west Northumberland, England. Allendale is within the - the second largest of the 40 AONBs in England and Wales...
and North Shields Circuits as a local preacher in after years. Joseph Ritson was subsequently the leading figure in Primitive Methodism in West Allen, and he gave to the Connexion one of its foremost ministers of the present time. Joseph commenced business at Ninebanks as builder and joiner, built up a prosperous trade, and was known and trusted all round as a man of character and probity. Frank, manly, free from cant, inclined to sternness and severity, yet having the heart of a child, his worldly success never cooled his devotion in the Lord’s service, and a revival was his joy. His house was the home of the preachers, and his attachment to them was very close. On a Sunday in July, 1878, he attended services at Corry Hill conducted by his son — the present editor — prayed with much fervour in the prayer meeting, and within a fortnight “passed on.” His eldest son Thomas is a local preacher in the Haltwhistle
Haltwhistle
Haltwhistle is a small town and civil parish in Northumberland, England, situated east of Brampton, near Hadrian's Wall, and the villages of Plenmeller, Rowfoot and Melkridge...
circult; John, the second son, was a class-leader at Ninebanks
Ninebanks
Ninebanks is a small village in south west Northumberland, England in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty north-east of Alston by road. It is noted for the early sixteenth century Ninebanks Tower, sometimes described as a pele tower, but possibly built as a watchtower...
when he died some years ago; Ann, the second daughter, deeply spiritual, morally beautiful, cultured even, remarkable in many ways, became the devoted wife of Robert Clemitson, but was taken away in the fulness of her powers; Joseph, the youngest born, far and away the chiefest of them all, who, when a boy dedicated his life to the Lord, was made a local preacher at sixteen, when he returned home from Elmfield College, at seventeen returned to Elmfield as a teacher, at twenty went as a master to Woodhouse Grove, the Wesleyan school for ministers’ sons, simultaneously received invitations from both Connexions to become a minister, entered the Primitive Methodist itinerancy, used untiringly his versatile gifts of mind and soul by speech and pen in some of the leading circuits in the Connexion, administrator and evangelist, pastor and social reformer, preacher and politician, controversialist and novelist, and now Connexional Editor, influencing very many thousands of minds, and displaying an aptitude for the office which has brought to him commendations from the entire community."
From “NORTHERN PRIMITIVE METHODISM” by W.M. PATTERSON,
E. Dalton, London, 1909 - p171-183
1880s
With regard to Elmfield College, Dr Kenneth Lysons, in his book A Little Primitive (Church in the Market Place Publications, Buxton, 2001), quoting the Primitive Methodist World for 17 May 1883 says: "The College was the outcome of the strong conviction that if the [Primitive Methodist] Connexion did not provide thorough and liberal education for the sons of our ministers and prosperous laymen, we should not retain them in communion with us. The blessing of God upon the industry and economy of our people has raised many of them into comfortable circumstamces, and enabled them to provide somewhat liberally for the education of their sons."W.H.Balgarnie, the prototype for Mr Chips studied and taught at Elmfield. Almost immediately thereafter, he was elected to the committee of the Old Boys Club and began writing articles and poems for the school magazine, some of them extolling
"Elmfield, famed as Learning's blest abode,
And situated on the Malton Road"
1890s
- Bulmer's History and Directory of North Yorkshire (1890) described the college as " a large handsome building in this township (Heworth), pleasantly situated on the Malton road, just outside the city boundary. It is the property of the trustees of the Primitive New Connexion, and was erected in 1864, at a cost of £10,000. There is accommodation for 106 boys. The school-room, classrooms, dormitories, &c., are lofty and well lighted. The curriculum of studies includes all the subjects embraced in a high-class education."
- Charles Baldwin Ferguson (b. Birmingham, 22 August 1875) B.A. Manchester (2nd class History), 1896; M.A., 1899, was at Elmfield 1899-1901. Then Assistant Master, Richmond Hill School, London, S.W.. 1896-1897. Second and House Master, Shebbear CollegeShebbear CollegeShebbear College is a co-educational Methodist public school located in Shebbear, Devon, 39 miles from the county seat of Exeter, in the South West region of the United Kingdom and is one of a group of independent boarding schools that form part of the Methodist Church's involvement in...
, North Devon, 1897-1899. Now at Government School in Orange River ColonyOrange River ColonyThe Orange River Colony was the British colony created after this nation first occupied and then annexed the independent Orange Free State in the Second Boer War...
.
1900s
There were 61 boys enrolled in 1905. In the following year the school was closed by the trustees for the Connexion, because offinancial difficulties, but was reopened in 1907 owned by a company formed by the old boys. A laboratory, workshop, and classroom costing £1,500 were added in 1909.
Of John Heath, Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Past and Present tells us that ‘John was reared in England, largely spending his boyhood and youth in Crewe, to which place his parents removed during his early childhood. His education, however, was obtained in Over, where he was born, and attended a private school.’ Thomas Henry's obituary in The Crewe & Nantwich Chronicle for 7 July 1900, says: ‘He had a liberal education, having attended Elmfield College, York.’ Samuel was clearly determined that at least two of his sons should have a better schooling than he had received.
1920s
In 1928 Elmfield was taken over by the Wesleyan Methodist Secondary Schools Trust, with H.B. Workman playing a leading role.1930s
There were over 100 boys, half of whom were boarders, enrolled in 1932, when the school was closed and merged with Ashville CollegeAshville College
Ashville College is a co-educational independent school for both day and boarding pupils aged 4–18 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. It was founded as a Methodist boarding school for boys in 1877, and subsequently merged with Elmfield College and New College in the 1930s...
. The buildings were subsequently demolished.
1940s and after
All that is left of the college now is numbers 1 (the former "Elm Field Villa"), and 9 Straylands Grove, next to Monk Stray, and a row of masters' houses along Elmfield Terrace (as far as the first bend), together with domestic staff housing in Willow Grove. No 1 Willow Grove was the Tuck Shop.The present No. 9 Straylands Grove was built in the 1920s as the headmaster's house. (The owners have recently renamed the house to reflect this fact).
Number 1 used to have, in its garden, a very basic swimming pool of peculiar (triangular?) shape. Whether the head master allowed access to it by the pupils is unrecorded. Since closure of the College, the house has been an art gallery
Art gallery
An art gallery or art museum is a building or space for the exhibition of art, usually visual art.Museums can be public or private, but what distinguishes a museum is the ownership of a collection...
and a family home.
Elmfield Terrace and Willow Grove remained privately maintained streets until the 1950s when they were adopted by York City Council. Until this time, Elmfield Terrace was almost completely separated from Straylands Grove by a 6 foot wall (parallel to Straylands) with signs of the gate that must have existed to maintain its private status.
The area now covered by numbers 3-7 Straylands Grove, along with much of the surrounding land which was once belonged to the college, has now been built on.
Headmasters and Governors
Initially the Headmaster was responsible for the teaching in the school, while the Governor was responsible for everything else, including the boys' moral welfare.Governors
- 1864-1868: Rev John PettyJohn Petty (Primitive Methodist Minister)The Revd. John Petty was a 19th century author and Primitive Methodist Minister, and the first Governor of Elmfield College. He was born in Salterforth, Yorkshire and died at Elmfield School, York. Memorial services were held at the little Stonegate Chapel on Sunday 26 April and on the following...
: in 1857 Petty undertook a history of the Connexion to be published to mark its Golden Jubilee in 1860. Between 1857 and 1863 he worked in Hull before the Connexion honoured Petty by asking him to assume the Governorship of Elmfield. (At one stage the new college was to have been based in Hull.) The following year it was decided to accept into Elmfield a number of young ministerial candidates and Petty added to his duties those of theological tutor. - 1868-1879: Rev Thomas Smith
- 1879-1889: Rev Robert Smith
- 1889-1890: Rev Robert Harrison
- 1890-1896: Rev George Seaman
- 1896-1901: Rev John Gair
- 1901-1904: Rev W E Crombie
- 1904-1906: Rev G F Fawcett
After 1906 the management was changed so the Headmaster took on the Governor's responsibilities.
Headmasters
- 1864-1871: James Kyle DallJames Kyle DallJames Kyle Dall was the first headmaster of Elmfield College, Heworth, York . Born at Preston in Lancashire, the son of John Dall, he entered Trinity College, Dublin in October 1845 at the age of 21, and graduated BA in 1850. He had been a schoolmaster in Leeds before moving to Elmfield, where...
, LLD - 1871-1878: William J Russell
- 1878-1879: J M Raby, BA, BSC, LL.D
- 1879-1886: Thomas Gough, BA, BSc. A graduate of London University (1st Class Hons. in Biology, 2nd Class Hons. in Geology). Subsequently headmaster of King Edward VI School, Retford, Notts., 1886-1919 . Born c1854 at Staunton on Arrow, Herefordshire ; son of Thomas Gough, builder . Ordained priest in the Church of England, diocese of Southwell, 1889 .
- 1886-1891: William JohnsonWilliam JohnsonWilliam Johnson may refer to:Arts and Entertainment* William Allen Johnson , organ builder, Johnson Organs* William Gary Johnson , called Bunk Johnson, American jazz musician* William H...
, BA, BSc - 1892-1906: R.G.Heys (see above)
- 1907-1929: Stanley Radcliffe Slack (1870- ) was educated in BirminghamBirminghamBirmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
at private school and at Mason's Science College. He was Sheriff of York 1924-25 and Headmaster of Elmfield College from 1907-1929. He chaired the York and District Football Association for almost 30 years. - 1929-1932: H D Anthony, MA (Cantab), BSc, PhD - graduate of Queens' College, CambridgeQueens' College, CambridgeQueens' College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, England.The college was founded in 1448 by Margaret of Anjou , and refounded in 1465 by Elizabeth Woodville...
and author of a book on Isaac NewtonIsaac NewtonSir Isaac Newton PRS was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian, who has been "considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived."...
Old Elmfieldians who had entries in Who's Who
“Who Was Who?” includes 12 Old Elmfieldians- Sir John Tweedy ...1849; m 1885, Mary y d of Richard Hilhouse, Finsbury Place; two s one d . ; University College, London.
- Rev. Edwin W. SmithEdwin W. SmithThe Reverend Edwin William Smith was a Primitive Methodist missionary/anthropologist and author who was born in South Africa, studied at Elmfield College, and then worked in Africa.....
...Church; m 1899, Julia, d of James Fitch of Peasenhall, Suffolk; one d . . Work: Served in Africa as a Missionary of the Primitive Methodist Church, 1898–1915 - HARRISON, Rev. Robert ...Selby, Market Rasen, Gainsborough, Hornsea, Hull, Grimsby, Driffield, Sunderland; was Governor of Elmfield College, York, and Chairman of the Primitive Methodist Insurance Company and Chapel Aid Association. ...
- HERBERT-SMITH, His Hon. Charles ...York, 1862; s of Thomas Smith; m Ella, d of Rev. J. Mostyn; one s three d . ; London University. Work: Barrister-at-Law; joined Gray's Inn, 1885; winner of a First...
- GUTTERY, Sir Norman (Arthur) ...Rev. A. T. Guttery, DD, Methodist Minister; m 1920, Elsie Crankshaw, MA; two d . ; King's College, London. Work: Joined Civil Service, 1910; served in Ministries of...
- MAYNARD, Charles Gordon ... m 1920, Irene Constance, d of I. Stevenson, Londonderry; one s two d ... Work: Formerly Governing Director: C. Gordon Ltd; Arnold Perfections Ltd; Black...
- PORTER, Dr John Fletcher ... m 1901, Ida Mary, 2nd d of late Rev. T. H. Richards; two d . ; Yorkshire College, Leeds (Victoria University); London Hospital; London University. ...
- BAKER, Sir Jack (Croft) ... m 1914, Doris Ann, d of late Harry Beales; two s two d . Educ: Clee Grammar School; Elmfield College, York. Work: Vice-Pres., British Trawlers Federation, 1940–44, President, 1944-57. Elected...
- CHANCELLOR, Henry George ...Ashcott; m 1885, Mary Dyer Surl ( d 1942), Newent, Gloucester; one s three d ... Work: Entered business of C. Chancellor & Co. 1883; managing partner and...
- JOHNSON, Thomas ...Rev. W. Rowe, formerly of Toronto; one s (elder son died on active service) one d . ; Royal College of Science, London. Work: Demonstrator of Botany, 1885–90, Professor of...
Thomas Johnson attended Elmfield College and was Professor of Botany at University College, Dublin from 1890 to 1926.
- STODDART-SCOTT, Colonel Sir Malcolm ... o d of late B. Parkinson, JP, Creskeld Hall, Arthington, nr Leeds; one s one d . ; Ashville College, Harrogate; University of Leeds. Work: On Medical Staff of Leeds...
- STAFFORD, Rev. John T. Wardle ...Methodist minister; m Edith, 2nd d of late J. Hardcastle, York; one s one d . ; London University. Work: Master in Classics and English Literature at Grove Park...
Another compilation
- R W Frank (at Elmfield 1878-1880) played cricket for Yorkshire Cricket Club from 1889–1903, including one first-class century, and captained Yorkshire 2nd XI from 1900 to 1919
- J H Iles (at Elmfield 1882-1886) played for Gloucestershire Cricket Club in 1890 and 1891, in the same team as W G Grace
- A E Peatfield (at Elmfield 1886-1890) made one first-clqss appearance in 1906, when he played for an England XI against the West Indies at BlackpoolBlackpoolBlackpool is a borough, seaside town, and unitary authority area of Lancashire, in North West England. It is situated along England's west coast by the Irish Sea, between the Ribble and Wyre estuaries, northwest of Preston, north of Liverpool, and northwest of Manchester...
, scoring 2 and 16 not out. He was a prolific scorer and played for Glamorgan Cricket Club before it became a first-class county - Michael Clark (physician)
- Thomas JohnsonThomas Johnson (botany teacher)Thomas Johnson was an English botanist and academic renowned as an expert and cataloguer of the world's algae, fungi, and fossil plants.-Life:...
(1863–1954), botanist - studied at Elmfield College - Edward Thaddeus Barleycorn BarberEdward Thaddeus Barleycorn BarberEdward Thaddeus Barleycorn Barber was born on 1 July 1865 in the Spanish colonized capital city of Santa Isabel on the island of Fernando Po in West Africa....
(1865–1948) was a student from Santa Isabel/Malabo in Equatorial GuineaEquatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea, officially the Republic of Equatorial Guinea where the capital Malabo is situated.Annobón is the southernmost island of Equatorial Guinea and is situated just south of the equator. Bioko island is the northernmost point of Equatorial Guinea. Between the two islands and to the...
who went to Elmfield College ca. 1886/87 before attending Edinburgh University. He was one of the first black people in YorkYorkYork is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
and is presumably linked with William N Barleycorn, the first native Primitive Methodist Minister in Fernando Po. Other leading Creole families in Fernando Po (now BiokoBiokoBioko is an island 32 km off the west coast of Africa, specifically Cameroon, in the Gulf of Guinea. It is the northernmost part of Equatorial Guinea with a population of 124,000 and an area of . It is volcanic with its highest peak the Pico Basile at .-Geography:Bioko has a total area of...
) around this time included the Barber family, as well as Davis, Barleycorn, Vivour, Kinson, Dougan, Balboa, Knox,Coker and Collins,http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-159637_ITM although a link has been suggested with Frank Barber, Samuel JohnsonSamuel JohnsonSamuel Johnson , often referred to as Dr. Johnson, was an English author who made lasting contributions to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor and lexicographer...
's man-servant. - The MP Henry George Chancellor
- "W. Johnson, Esq., BA, Elmfield Cottage, York", who wrote several books on education http://books.google.com/books?um=1&num=100&q=%22elmfield+cottage%22+york+&btnG=Search+Books. He was born in RetfordRetfordRetford is a market town in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands of England, located 31 miles from the city of Nottingham, and 23 miles west of Lincoln, in the district of Bassetlaw. The town is situated in a valley with the River Idle and the Chesterfield Canal running through the centre of the...
and was Headmaster at Elmfield 1886-91, after which he was Headmaster at Archbishop Holgate's SchoolArchbishop Holgate's SchoolArchbishop Holgate's School is a voluntary aided Church of England, coeducational secondary school in York, England.-Admissions:The school has two main specialist statuses - Science College and Leading Edge. The current headmaster is Andrew Daly...
in York (1895–1914), and Rector of Wath-on-Swale (1914–41). He featured in the Elmfield return on the 1881 census. - Lewis Henry Leadley (pseud. "An Old Boy") who wrote "The Story of Elmfield College 1864-1914".
- Dyson MallinsonDyson MallinsonSir Dyson Mallinson was a 19th century industrialist from Huddersfield, England, and the "father bountiful" of Elmfield College...
(Elmfield's "father Bountiful") - see Booth (1990:39) - James Calvert SpenceJames Calvert SpenceJames Calvert Spence MC & Bar , was a paediatrician who was a pioneer in the field of social paediatrics.-Early life:...
(1892–1954), the originator of social paediatrics - John PettyJohn Petty (Primitive Methodist Minister)The Revd. John Petty was a 19th century author and Primitive Methodist Minister, and the first Governor of Elmfield College. He was born in Salterforth, Yorkshire and died at Elmfield School, York. Memorial services were held at the little Stonegate Chapel on Sunday 26 April and on the following...
- Ben SpoorBen SpoorBenjamin Charles Spoor was a British Labour Party politician. He took a particular interest in India and in the Movement for Colonial Freedom....
- Sir John TweedyJohn TweedySir John Tweedy was a surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.He was born at Stockton-on-Tees, the son of John Tweedy, a solicitor...
(1849–1924) http://livesonline.rcseng.ac.uk/biogs/E000218b.htm - R.G.Heys, who later went to Leeds University, and became a member of the York School Board. In January 1892 he returned to Elmfield to become headmaster. (See A.J.Peacock (c.1960, p. 95), York 1900-1914 ISBN 0-9519229-0-4.)
- Sir Robert Newbald KayRobert Newbald KaySir Robert Newbald Kay was an English solicitor and politician, based in York. He was also Liberal Member of Parliament for Elland from 1923 to 1924, and Lord Mayor of York in 1925....
- around 1929 he became a Governor of Elmfield College and was instrumental in closing the college down during the depression. He then bought the college estate. The college was then demolished, and the estate was sold off as building plots. - Samuel Heath http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wgheath/ch2.htm
- the chemist William Thomas Newton Spivey (1868-1901 - see T.B.W. (1902) Obituary notice: William Thomas Newton Spivey. J. Chem. Soc., Trans. 81:625-636). Born on the last day of 1868, he attended Elmfield and then from 1887-1889 he was a sub-sizarSizarAt Trinity College, Dublin and the University of Cambridge, a sizar is a student who receives some form of assistance such as meals, lower fees or lodging during his or her period of study, in some cases in return for doing a defined job....
at Trinity College, CambridgeTrinity College, CambridgeTrinity College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. Trinity has more members than any other college in Cambridge or Oxford, with around 700 undergraduates, 430 graduates, and over 170 Fellows...
. In 1896 he went to Epsom CollegeEpsom CollegeEpsom College is an independent co-educational public school in Epsom, Surrey, England, for pupils aged 13 to 18. Founded in 1853 to provide support for poor members of the medical profession such as pensioners and orphans , Epsom's long-standing association with medicine was estimated in 1980 as...
as Science Master "where he at once showed himself to be a successful teacher". However, before the year's end he returned to Cambridge at the invitation of Professor Dewar to become Jacksonian Demonstrator. He carried out research on terpeneTerpeneTerpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers, though also by some insects such as termites or swallowtail butterflies, which emit terpenes from their osmeterium. They are often strong smelling and thus may have had a protective...
and Indian hempIndian hempIndian hemp may refer to any of various fiber bearing plants:* Apocynum cannabinum* Cannabis indica* Sida rhombifolia* Asclepias incarnata* Hibiscus cannabinus...
. On October 9, 1901 one of his experiments exploded and he was severely burned and two weeks later he died, "one of the most promising and popular members of the chemical school, adding one more name to the roll of those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of science". - Dr Ronald Vincent Spivey was at Elmfield 1919-1924 and became Head Boy. Later, while he was minister at Wesley's Chapel, City Road in London (of which he authored the Pitkin monograph), he officiated at the marriage of Denis ThatcherDenis ThatcherMajor Sir Denis Thatcher, 1st Baronet, MBE, TD was a British businessman, and the husband of the former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. He was born in Lewisham, London, the elder child of a New Zealand-born British businessman, Thomas Herbert Thatcher, and his wife Kathleen, née Bird...
to Margaret Hilda Roberts (later Mrs Thatcher). He also baptised the Thatcher children. - The AfricanistAfrican studiesAfrican studies is the study of Africa, especially the cultures and societies of Africa .The field includes the study of:Culture of Africa, History of Africa , Anthropology of Africa , Politics of Africa, Economy of Africa African studies is the study of Africa, especially the cultures and...
Edwin W. SmithEdwin W. SmithThe Reverend Edwin William Smith was a Primitive Methodist missionary/anthropologist and author who was born in South Africa, studied at Elmfield College, and then worked in Africa..... - The conservative politician Malcolm Stoddart-ScottMalcolm Stoddart-ScottColonel Sir Malcolm Stoddart-Scott OBE MC TD was a Conservative Party politician in the United Kingdom.He attended Elmfield College and was then a master there...
(1901–1973) who was also an Elmfield master. He was MPMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
for Pudsey and OtleyPudsey and Otley (UK Parliament constituency)Pudsey and Otley was a parliamentary constituency centred on the towns of Pudsey and Otley in West Yorkshire. It returned one Member of Parliament to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, elected by the first past the post system....
from 1945 to 1950, and after that constituency was abolished in boundary changes in 1950, he was MP for RiponRiponRipon is a cathedral city, market town and successor parish in the Borough of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, located at the confluence of two streams of the River Ure in the form of the Laver and Skell. The city is noted for its main feature the Ripon Cathedral which is architecturally...
until his death in 1973. - The Liberal politician W. G. Greenwood who stood for parliament (and came last) at the Ashton-under-Lyne by-election, 1928Ashton-under-Lyne by-election, 1928The Ashton-under-Lyne by-election was held on 29 October 1928. It was notable for having the highest turnout of any Parliamentary by-election in Great Britain....
, which is notable for having an 89% turnout - the highest of any Parliamentary by-election in Great Britain. He and his younger brother H. T. Greenwood came last in the next four elections in that constituency too.
- Quotes from dispatches: "Lieutenant GILBERT GREENWOOD, eldest son of Councillor H.T. GREENWOOD, of Harwood, Mossley Rd. Ashton, has been wounded whilst serving in France with the Ashton Territorials. The fibula of his left leg fractured during a night attack. Lieutenant GREENWOOD is now at the Bathurst House Hospital, Belgrave-Square, London, and is making good progress. Lieutenant GREENWOOD joined the Reserve Battalion of the Ashton Territorials on its formation soon after the outbreak of the war, and was given a commission. He was educated at Elmfield College, York, and until the war was in business with his father, being the manager of the Stockport branch. He was a good athlete, gaining distinction at school in all sports, and captained the cricket and football teams. Lieut. GREENWOOD has seen active service on three fronts, the Dardanelles, Egypt and France. He was invalided home from Gallipoli with enteric fever."
- The brother of Kenneth WolstenholmeKenneth WolstenholmeKenneth Wolstenholme DFC & Bar was the football commentator for BBC television in the 1950s and 1960s, most notable for his commentary during the 1966 FIFA World Cup which included the famous phrase "some people are on the pitch...they think it's all over....it is now!", as Geoff Hurst scored...
(see photos) - Thomas FerensThomas FerensThomas Robinson Ferens was a British politician, a philanthropist, and an industrialist. He was the Member of Parliament for Hull East for 13 years, and served the city as a Justice of the Peace and as High Steward. He helped establish Reckitt & Sons, a manufacturer of household goods, as one of...
(1847–1930) left a bequest of £500 to Elmfield for a scholarship. - The Times, Saturday, May 10, 1930; pg. 14; Issue 45509; col B
Elmfield College Archives
The Elmfield College Archives are currently housed at www.aa42.com and at Ashville CollegeAshville College
Ashville College is a co-educational independent school for both day and boarding pupils aged 4–18 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. It was founded as a Methodist boarding school for boys in 1877, and subsequently merged with Elmfield College and New College in the 1930s...
, Harrogate, the college with which Elmfield merged in 1931.