Sir Robert Wilmot Horton, Baronet ( B.A.) was born on 21st December 1784.
Educated at Eton College and Christchurch College, Oxford. Member of Parliament for Newcastle (1818-1830); Under Secretary of State for Colonies (1821) in the Liberal Government of Lord Liverpool. Knighted on 22nd June 1831. Governor of Ceylon 1831 to October, 1837. Resigned as Governor an year before his term expired. He succeeded to the Baronetcy on the death of his father Sir Robert Wilmot. Governor Horton died on 31st May 1841 at Sudbury Park
England.

Sir Wilmot’s wife Anne Beatrix-according accounts was one of the most beautiful women of that time had a poem written about her by Lord Byron. The first few lines of “SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY” are:-

She walks in beauty, like the Night,
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright,
Meets in her aspect, and her eyes.²

Sir Robert Wilmot (Jnr.) was the only son of Sir Robert Wilmot, Baronet or Asmaston in Derbyshire by his first wife Juliane Elizabeth, second daughter of Hon. James Byron. Sir Robert Wilmot (Jnr.) married Anne Beatrix, eldest daughter of Euscbius Horton of Catton, Derbyshire. Anne Beatrix the beautiful heiress was a cousin of Lord Byron the famous Poet. Sir Robert Wilmot assumed the name Horton by Royal licence on 8th May 1807 in compliance with the Last Will of his father-in-law. M. Wilmot, Horton’s half-brother by his father’s first who was in the Ceylon Civil Service before Horton’s arrival as Governor. He served as Government Agent Southern Province. Horton’s cousin E. P. Wilmot was a District Judge. Governor Horton, a Liberal according to the standards at that time, originated many new measures recommended by the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission. These included (1) Inauguration of Ceylon’s First Legislative Council and Executive Committee (all nominated by the Governor). The first meeting of the Unofficial Legislative Council is dated I st October 1833 presided by Governor Sir William Horton. (2) Abolished Compulsory Labour – abandoning Government claims to free service and (3) right to private property and temples were left untouched. (4) Abolished the government’s monopoly of the Cinnamon Trade (1833) (which came down from Dutch times). (5) He ruled that Moors and Malabars (Tamils) had the right to own houses and land in Fort & Pettah (forbidden earlier by the Dutch ). (6) Started the First Newspaper (Colombo Journal) published in 1832 (7) Started the FIRST MAIL COACH in Asia-the Passenger and Postal Service to Kandy (earlier carriage was by palanquin and Bullock Carts). (8) Government interest in Higher Education took concrete shape with the formation of the School Commission (1834) and he instituted the ls First Government School in the Island THE COLOMBO ACADEMY. (9) Ceylon Savings Bank established. (10) Cricket Club formed in Colombo (1832). Sir Robert Wilmot Horton was a great statesman, who made his mark in England, particularly on the question of emigration of the poor of the British Isles to the ‘English Colonies in the North Americas and Southern Hemisphere. In Ceylon, there was only the Government Gazette to read, so the Governor started the “Colombo Journal” which was printed at the Government Press. Letters in this paper signed ”Timon”, “Liber” and ”Pro Bono Publico” were from Sir Horton’s pen. He also wrote Political letters in 1832/33 under the pen name “Philalethes”.
The conversion of Marsh’s Private Hill Street Academy to a Government School was solely due to the efforts of Sir Wilmot Horton. He paid personal attention to the welfare of the school, and promptly appointed a 2nd teacher from the Colonial Secretary’s Office. He even attended the First Examination held at the Academy on 29th June 1837 sometime before his premature retirement from Ceylon later that year. Royalists past & present owe a debt of gratitude to His Excellency Sir Robert Wilmot Horton a Founder of our College.

“OTHERS MAY BE CELEBRATED …. BUT THE NAME OF MARSH AS HAVING DEVELOPED THE GENIUS OF THIS COUNTRY, …. AS HAVING FACT BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN CAUSING THE PERMANENT WELFARE OF THE ISLAND …. WHILE MILLIONS YET UNKNOWN WILL LISP HIS NAME WITH GLOWING LIPS AND HEARTS THRILLING WITH GRATITUDE …. MAY THE ALMIGHTY BE WITH HIM.”

Rev. Joseph Marsh, M.A. (Edinburgh). Born 1803 at Bonsall, Derbyshire, England. Died 2nd February 1839 at sea off Cape of Good Hope Colony (now South Africa). Headmaster, Hill Street Private Academy in 1835.

Headmaster Colombo Academy 1836 to December 1838. Mathematics and Classical Tutor at Church Missionary Society Cotta, Actg. Colonial Chaplain, St. Paul’s Church Colombo, January 1835. Secretary Schools Commission July 1835 to 1836. Secretary friend in Need Society Colombo (Patron H. E. the Governor). Marsh arrived in Colombo in 1831 from Madras.

A Scotsman who set the seal for what we are today-the FIRST PUBLIC SCHOOL IN SRI LANKA AMONGST EQUALS.

With his appointment as Acting Colonial Chaplain of St. Paul’s Church Colombo, he started a Private Academy to educate the children of the Upper Classes in January 1835. When the residents of Colombo noticed the good work done at the Private School, they petitioned the Governor His Excellency Sir William Horton to establish a school to be operated by Government, and with a lower scale of fees, so as to allow the majority of young men in Colombo to gain the benefits of a good education.

Governor Horton converted Mush’s Private Academy to the Colombo Academy in January 1836 and made Rev. Marsh Headmaster on a salary of £ 200 per annum (£16-13s-Od approx.:) Rs. 168/- per month on condition that fees would not be raised. Marsh according to accounts was a mild-mannered Padre, who did not believe in Corporal punishment. As Secretary Schools Commission he received a salary of £ 8-8s-4d per month and £ 8-6s-8d per month as Secretary, Friend in Need Society.

Rev. Marsh started the: –

1. Library in January 1837.
2. The First School Magazine – “The Colombo Academy Miscellany & Juvenile Repository” in January 1837. (He was the Editor)
4. A Printing Press in 1837.
5. The first Prize Giving of the Colombo Academy was held in June 1837.
Mention is made of Cricket being played in 1838.

Rev. Marsh’s health had deteriorated badly during 1838 and he went ab leave. He died a few weeks after leaving Ceylon. Marsh married the sister of Andrew Walker CCS, then District Judge Colombo. His daughter Agnes Jane married Dr. Barcroft Boake, Principal Colombo Academy on 27th August 1861.

Reverend Marsh along with Rt. Honourable Sir Wilmot Horton is a founder the Colombo Academy. On his passing away an eulogy was published in the Colombo Academy Miscellany of 1st June 1838. The Miscellany does not give the name of the person who wrote the Elegy but James d’ Alwis, one of Rev. Marsh’s pupils at the Academy in his Memoirs (1878) reproduces this ELEGY. Saying “it is too good to be lost” and gives the name of the writer as, John Ferguson (Proprietor of the Observer).

EULOGY
on the
DEATH OF THE REV. J. MARSH,
Late Principal of the
COLOMBO ACADEMY

“The sea, the blue lone sea hath one –
He lies where pearls lie deep
He was the lov’d of all, yet none
O’er his low bed may weep.”

HEMANS

He hath gone to his last, long, dreamless sleep,
and no dearly lov’d form hover’d round him!
Far away from his home – on the mighty Deep
The Angel of death hath found him!

He died alone.’ Such had not been his doom
Could the prayers and the tears have avail’d him!
Of thousands who back to his dreary home
With a rapturous welcome had hail’d him.

For Jar distant land when away he was borne
How warmly the fond hope we cherish’d
That in fresh-blooming health we should see him return
He is gone – and that brught hope hath perish’d

O’er him the last service was read
With a mariner’s rough devotion-
And calmly the wearied one rests his head
Mid the Coral Caves of the Ocean

It is WELL – Yet – me thinks we could wish that here
The last scene of life had clos’d o’er him
Where his friends could have mourn’d o’er the GOOD MAN’s bier
And display’d the found love they bore him.

We should of times resort to his honour’d grave
Its surface with bright blossoms strewing
And recal every lesson that he gave
With our tears those flowers bedewing.

And the poor and the needy would come and bemoan
O’er the place of his last reposing
By the side of the monumental stone
His deeds of love disclosing.

That stone of his sleepless nights should tell
When the World its sweet rest was taking
How thoughts of the labour he lov’d so well
Kept his weary eye-lids waking.

Oh! he was of knowledge the Pioneer!
In our Isle – and his whole time was given
To training young minds for usefulness here
And a happier home in Heaven!

Those labours are o’er; to his rest he is gone
Leaving sickness mid sorrow behind him;
While the good’ mid his toilsome pilgrimage done
In a thousand hearts hath enshrin’d him.

Though we cannot point to his turf-clad tomb
By graceful Palm-trees shaded;
In our “heart of hearts” let his virtues bloom
And his memory live unfaded.

And cease we to mourn that afar on the deep
The angel of death hath found him: –
Bright Spirits were near as he fell asleep
And his Saviour’s arms were around him.

This is what James d’ Alwis, one of Marsh’s eminent pupils says of his Head­master in his “Memoirs” (1878) referring to his death. “Without disparagement of any of those who at the present time fill the higher and respectable offices as teachers I may speak of Late Mr. Marsh as per-eminently, the kind of man to take delight in teaching, who felt a pleasure in his ardous and responsible work, who neglected no means of reaching the minds of his pupils, to his pupils to interest them in the subjects taught, and above all spared no pains or trouble to improve the intellectual standards of his pupils.”

Delightful task to rear the tender thought

and teach the young idea how to shoot.

“Need I say that the Labours of such a man were eminently blest? I am certain, at least, that, one-third of a century ago, such was the case of the labors, of Mr. Marsh, that good and pious Missionary, who never sought his rest without invoking a blessing on the work to which he so heartily, energetically, and wholly devoted his life, and whose ‘Prayers’ have availed much as we know from living and unimpeach­able witnesses on the Bench and at the Bar, and in the Pulpit, not to mention many other secular departments of this Colony, and also those who have evidence has been lost to us with a generation that is passing away. May he obtain his reward.”

What better tribute to our eminent FIRST HEADMASTER?

Rev. J. F. Haslam, B. A. (Cantab). Born ……. 1811. Halifax, Yorkshire. Died 19th March 1850 at Colpetty Colombo. Educated at St. John’s College, Cambridge (B.A. 9th Wrang­ler 1836) Principal. Church Missionary Society Institute Cotta. Principal Colombo Academy from July 1839 to March 1840. Was subsequently Principal at Church Missionary Society Institute, Cotta on resignation from the post of Principal Colombo Academy.

The youngest Principal (28 years) in the History of the College. The First Principal of the Colombo Academy was of a similar disposition as Rev. Marsh. Mild and kind. and greatly attached to the religion. Haslam’s appointment as Principal was confirmed by the Schools Commission only on 18th January 1840. The Church of England Mis­sionary Society wanted Haslam back at Cotta and he retired in March 1840. The Colombo Academy Miscellany of 2nd September 1839 has a “Programme for the Examinations” at the Academy on December 16th signed by J. F. Haslam-Principal.

The original arrangement was for Haslam to return to the Mission at Cotta after 5 years at the Colombo Academy. Still, it never happened as the Church Missionary Society wanted him back earlier. On Haslam’s departure, his pupils presented him with a Pictorial Bible. An address was read and speeches were made. His suavity of manner kindness of disposition and spiritual instruction was recorded at his farewell.

Haslam arrived in Ceylon on 7th January 1839. His 25-year-old wife died in March 1839. His only child who was 8 months old died in November 1839. Haslam entered into matrimony a second time when he married Sophia, daughter of Rev. Joseph Bailey of C.M.S. Cotta on 6th December 1842. She was the sister of Brooke Bailey, Headmaster of Colombo Academy, and later Rev. Brooke Bailey. Haslam passed away at the early age of 39 years.

Joseph Booke Bailey M.A. (Edin). Born 27th January 1822 in Ceylon. First joined Colombo Academy on 6th July 1838. Asst. to Rev. Marsh, July 1838 to December, 1838. Actg. Headmaster from January 1839 to June 1839 and April 1840 to December 1841: Headmaster (Joint) from January 1842 to September 1842 with Rev. A. Kessen. Mathematics Master 1843-1845.

Inspector of Schools from 1845 to 1860. Ordained 19th December 1847 at St. Peter’s Church Colombo, by Bishop James. Official clergyman to troops from 1850-1851. Secretary, Central Schools Commission from 22nd October 1855 to 31st December 1859, and from 16th October 1962 to 1869 on a salary of £ 200 per annum. Colonial Chaplain St. Peter’s Church Colombo from 16th December 1862 to April 1871. Retired on 1st April 1871 on a £ 380 per annum pension and another £ 50 pension. He settled in Tasmania and was Rector of St. Leonards near Launceston from 1872-1875. Rector of St. John the Baptist Church, West Hobart 1875-1883. Commissionary for the Archdeaconry of Hobart (1882). Cannon of St. Davids Cathedral Hobart-installed on 14th November 1883.

A young man who supervised the Academy most efficiently in the absence of Rev. Marsh Bailey was considered too young and inexperienced to be Principal by the Governor Sir Stewart Mackenzie. In recognition of Bailey’s services to the Academy, Governor Sir Stewart Mackenzie who succeeded Governor Horton requested the Legislative Council to nominate 2 students from the Colombo Academy for scholarships to Bishops College, Calcutta. Said His Excellency Sir Stewart Mackenzie Governor, “for though circumstances have hitherto prevented me from placing at the Head of that Institution a principal of more advanced age and experience, the assiduity and attainments, beyond his years, of Mr. Brooke Bailey have well supported the higher characteristics acquired by the academy in such a short time. “

In his sixty years of Ceylon Cricket (1924) S. P. Foenander says “hence to three Cambridge men, Ashley Walker, Rev. J. B. Bailey, Rev. Falkner both Royal and St. Thomas owe a great debt of gratitude for the splendid foundation laid for the game at these two institutions”.

Bailey was a great friend of the famous poet, W. B. Keats.  Bailey married Lucy Anne daughter of Rev. W. Sawyer, Chaplain. She died on 4/11/1854 and Bailey married a second time when he took the heart of Georgiana daughter of Rev. William Henry Simon, Colonial Chaplain, Kandy on 10th December 1847.

Joseph Allanson Brooke Bailey C.C.S., a son by Brooke Bailey’s first wife, served in various districts of the island as Asst. Government Agent from 1863 to 1899 and played in the First Up-Country-Low Country Cricket Match (1872). Brooke Bailey was the son of Rev. Joseph Bailey of the Christian Missionary Society, Cotta, (not to be confused with Rev. Benjamin Bailey). Brooke Bailey’s sister married Rev. J. F. Haslam the First Principal of the Colombo Academy. His brother G. H. Bailey who had settled in Tasmania earlier was a member of the First Australian Team (1878) to tour England. ln 1871 Brooke Bailey’s son Allanson Bailey was 2nd Assistant Colonial Secretary.

Bailey introduced: –

1. Cricket

2. Flogging to the Academy.

Dr. Barcroft Boake, B.A; D.D. (Dublin); TCD. Born.1814. Died 9th September 1876, in Melbourne, Australia. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and the University of Dublin.

Principal Colombo Academy-October 1842 to September 1870. Secretary Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon) ……….Secretary Friend in Need Society (1869). Official Clergyman to troops in Colombo (1859-1869). Parish Priest, Panadura and Kalutara. Actg. Colonial Chaplain Holy Trinity Church.

After retirement, Boake was Pastor at St. Kilda’s Church, Melbourne, where he passed away. He wrote two books “Brief Account of the Origin and Nature of the Connexion* (between) the British Government and the Idolatrous Systems of Religion Prevalent in the Island of Ceylon” (1854), and “National Education in the East and Ceylon in Particular (1854).” Retired on 1st October 1870 on a pension of £412 per annum.

Boake the son-in-law of Rev. Joseph Marsh was a personality sporting long side whiskers and a clergyman’s cassock. Boake was appointed Principal by the Secretary of State for Colonies. The date of his appointment is given as 4th April 1842, the date he sailed from England, and others from 10th October 1842 the date he assumed office. Boake arrived in Ceylon on 19th September 1842. Appointed on a salary of £ 500 per annum and £ 150 contingencies allowance and allowed to reside in school buildings.

An excitable Irishman who took even well-meant criticism as an attack on him personally, and was in constant conflict with the Central Schools Commission and later with the Governor. Boake brooked no opposition. As a forthright personality, his head-on confrontation almost brought about the abolition of the Colombo Academy in 1851. Boake was a great scholar well versed in Latin and Greek and bent on having higher education at the Academy (again, something which brought him in conflict with leading personalities such as R.F. Morgan). Boake might be termed the originator of the University of Ceylon of today. The Academy produced excellent results at the Calcutta University Examinations. The changes in his time were :-

1) Instituted First in Arts Examination

2) He established a Boarding House.

3) Affiliated Colombo Academy with the University of Calcutta (1859).

4) Started the second College Magazine (Students Magazine) in July 1860-

5) Started the First Debating Society called the “Improvement Society “.

6) Name of the school changed to COLOMBO ACADEMY and QUEENS COLLEGE

(1859).

7) Renamed COLOMBO ACADEMY (1869).

”Boake’s authority was such that the Academy was known as ‘Boake’s School’ or ‘Boake Gedera’ and not as a Government Institution. Boake was a commanding personality. His pupils raised Rs. 7000/- as a parting gift. He made a study of freshwater fish and wrote about their habits. On the morning of his departure from Colombo, all the students and many past pupils assembled at 6.30 a.m. at Galle Face before he set off by coach to Galle to board ship. It was a spontaneous farewell from a multitude that adored him.

Some good came out of Boake’s constant quarrels with the Central Schools Commission which included Church dignitaries who never viewed the Colombo Academy with favour. Due to Boake’s complaints against the Central Schools Commission and its general handling of educational affairs the Commission was abolished by the Governor and the Department of Public Instructions established in February 1869 with its Director appointed by the Secretary of State. Boakes attitude towards Buddhism and Hinduism was very critical.

Boake was fond of using the “birch.” He carried a thick Malacca cane. The standard punishment was 6 strokes on the hand followed by 6 more on the back.

Boake first married Mary Catherine Slade on 22nd March 1843 in Colombo. On her death, Boake married a second time, Agnes Jane, daughter of Rev. Joseph Marsh (First Headmaster of the Colombo Academy) on 27^th August 1861. His son W. J. S. Boake (of the Ceylon Civil Service) by his first marriage was Police · Magistrate Kalpitiya (1869) and Asst. Government Agent in various Districts in the island. Another son Rev. W. H. S. Boake served as Pastor in a church in Melbourne, Australia

Joint Headmaster with J. B. H. Bailey from January 1842 to September 1842 when Kessen was discontinued by the Central Schools Commission. Kessen was in charge of the Model School (Lower School of the Colombo Academy). Acted as Principal of Colombo Academy (1855-56.)

George Todd B.A. (Oxon); I.S.O. Balliol College, Oxford. Principal – February 1871 to April 1878 on a salary of £ 750 (Rs. 7500/-) per annum. Acted as Director of Public Instruction in 1875. On retirement from Ceylon, Todd served in the Department of Education in Scotland.

Todd a brilliant Classics Scholar was another to sport side whiskers. According to accounts, partially lame. Todd never courted popularity and changed most of the Text Books in use in Boake’s time and sent away a number of slack teachers. He was a stern disciplinarian and applied the Motto. After Principal Boake’s virtual austerity program, Todd commenced some innovations.

1) The English University Scholarship was first awarded.

2) Instituted the Admission Register.

3) Cricket got underway with the arrival of Ashley Walker in 1876.

4) School Colours of “Royal Gold and Blue·’ arc first mentioned.

5) School Motto first mentioned.

Todd’s house in Rome where he lived and died was named “San Sebastian”. Earlier while living in London the house he lived in was named “San Sebastian”. Todds sons visited the College and addressed the boys at Assembly during the Easter Term 1955.

John Barnabas Cull, M.A. (Oxon). Born 1st September 1849. Died 25th August 1902. Joined the Colombo Academy staff as 2nd Principal Asst. on 3rd July 1874 promoted Principal Asst. January 1876.

Principal 1st December 1878 – January 1890 on a salary of £ 750 per annum. Director of Public Instruction October 1890 to 1892.

Another volatile character, mostly in connection with internal affairs of the School, and not matters connected with the government. Short, red-haired, and with a reddish colored beard plus stinging slaps administered on the cheeks of his charges earned him the nickname “Dimiya”, (Red Ant). Cull is the first Principal to have earned a nickname. Cull was fond of Rowing. He always wore a white tunic coat when going about his duties.” He was a strict disciplinarian, and inspired awe, but used the cane sparingly. Drill was during school hours, Cull married Archdeacon Tullochs’ daughter.

Cull’s devotion to the development of studies and extra-curricular activities saw the commencement of a building for a Science Block in 1879. He wrote to the D. P. J. before going on leave in May 1881 that he wished to form a Cadet Corps and to have the name changed to Royal College. Both items were granted during his absence.

The changes in Principal Cull’s period were: –

1) Gazette Notification giving Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s approval to change the name to ROYAL COLLEGE appeared on 31st July 1881.

2) CADET CORPS was formed in August 1881.

3) The biggest milestone of Cull’s regime was the first cricket match with St Thomas’ College on 27th and 28th of July 1879. It was the First Cricket match played by Royal College.

4) The Science Laboratory ·was completed in 1881. Royal College became the First School to introduce Science Subjects into the Curriculum.

The College went on to produce brilliant Science Scholars- the first of whom was H.M. Fernando. Although Director of Public Instruction in 1891, Cull took a keen interest in the formation of the Royal College Old Boys Union.

“A tireless worker he took the Sixth Form in English, Latin, Classics, and Political Economics. On Saturday morning he had French Classes and read the Greek Testament with the Boarders. “An inspiring and stimulating teacher who in later years became intemperate and was a failure as Director of Public Instruction. The end of his life, after retirement, was a pathetically inglorious one.

Joseph Henry Marsh (Jnr.), M.A. (Edin), Born 27^th December 1836, died in 1898. He joined the staff on 1^st May 1857. Actg. Principal 1870 to 1871. First Principal Asst. 1871 to 1883. Inspector of Schools from September 1883 to 1890. Actg. Principal May 1888 to 18^th October 1890. Principal Royal College from 18^th October 1890 to 30^th March 1892 on a salary of Rs. 7500/- per annum.

Retired and settled down in England. Marsh had a son (H.W.) who was a student at college.

Marsh (Jnr.) the son of the first Headmaster Rev. Joseph Marsh (Snr.). Like his father he was a mild-mannered religious individual, who tried his best to stop the boys from smoking, tried his best to get the boys to drill, and came up against all sorts of pranks, even with an Englishman as Drill Sergeant. From reminiscences written by Old Boys of the period Drill sessions seem to have been a bit chaotic. “Marsh was a dry old soul and his teaching was far from stimulating.”

During his term as principal :-

(1) The Old Boys’ Union was formed (1891).        

(2) The Inaugural Sports (Athletics) Meet (1892) took place

John Henry Harward, M.A. (Oxon). Born 27th May 1858 at Worksworth, Derbyshire. Died 30th Sept. 1932 at Warwick, Queensland, Australia. Educated at Durham School (1869-1877) and University College, Oxford (1878-1881) and graduated B.A. First in Classical Moderation. 2nd in the Greats at Oxford. 2nd Classics Master at Brighton College (1882-1891). Principal Royal College from 3rd May 1892 to 30th August 1902 on a salary of Rs. 9,600/- annum. Acted as Director of Public Instruction (1898-1902) while being Principal. Director of Public Instruction January 1903 to 1915.

A slight pale figure whose appearance was deceptive. It was surprising that one who looked ill could work so hard. Was efficient and expected others to follow the high standard set by him. Taught 20 of the 25 hours a week. He collected fees himself as a clerical assistance. “As a teacher, he was of the class that is born and not made “

The First Principal to allow the students full reign to form Debating Societies.

1) The Associations formed were –

The Y.M.C.A.

Literary Club

Juvenile Association

Philosophical Society

2) A Permanent Magazine commenced (1893),

3) Football was introduced (1896).

He was an excellent Sinhalese scholar. After his arrival, his application to the study of the language was at the dinner table with A. Samarasinghe, one of the masters. Later he spoke Sinhalese with ease.12 Prizes were given for Sinhalese and Tamil for the first time in the history of the school. A good cricketer, he played for the College XI against Clubs. He Umpired at matches including the Royal-Thomian match. His 10-year reign has been called the “Golden Age ” at Royal. Hardly used the cane, a complete departure from the regimes of Boake or Cull. Harward played a good game of Golf.

Harward, the son of Arthur Harward of Worksworth Derbyshire,was a bachelor and his sister Mary Harward kept house for him. On retirement, he settled down in Warwick, Queensland, Australia. The home he lived in and died at Warwick in Queensland was named “Montrose·, after the name of the home he lived in at Ward Place, Colombo 07.

“If I once start talking of Royal College, I shall never stop” – (Principal Harward al Royal College Prize Day Speech 1904).

Charles Hartley, M.A. (Cantab) was born 12th February 1865 at Beccles, Suffolk and he died in 1935 in British Columbia, Canada. Educated at Fauconberg Grammar School, Beccles, then at Marlborough ( 18779- 1883) and Magdalen Cambridge where he graduated B.A. (1887) Wrangler 2nd Class Tripos ; Captain of Magdalen College Cricket ….. ..,. …. Team Classical Master Cathedral School, Worcester· Modern Language and Classical Master at Christ College; Brecon and later at Marlborough College; Joined staff of Royal College as Lecturer in Modern Languages and English in September 1896; Actg. Principal October 1897 to August 1898; Actg.Principal Asst. April 1902 to January 1903; Principal 23rd June 1903 to May 1919 on a salary of Rs. 9600/- per annum. Asst. Censor in Ceylon (German) 1915.Actg.Director of Public Instruction 1910.

The MOSES of Royal College. He lead the young Royalists away from the dirt and grime and the millions of Jake flies and bats of San Sebastian Hill, Pettah, and Hulftsdorp to the more salubrious surroundings and fine buildings of Cinnamon Gardens in 1913. Like Harward, he was very fond of cricket although. he did not play cricket as frequently as Harward. Hartley Umpired in School Matches and in the Royal -Thomian match. “He was fond of riding the bicycle – his mode of transport, even to get to “Queens House”. Always had his coat buttoned up to the top. A strict disciplinarian. A simple soul, a man of few words who made his appearances at Queens House in Cannanore suit and faded green tie, a Shakespearean collar, white shoes, and a crumpled hat, (” a monstrosity of the hatter’s art”) shattering Vice-Regal fashions. During his period as Principal Hartley overcome efforts to abolish the Royal College between 1908 and 1916. Hartley who never spared the cane created history when he caned the whole Upper 6th Form in 1897.

”Hartley came out with a reputation as a cricketer, which he did fairly maintain on the one and only occasion in which he played. He found Colombo too warm for cricket. “

He owned the Yacht “Fiona”. He lectured on Yachts and Yacht Building.

During Hartley period new sports were introduced:-

(1) Boxing (1913)

(2) Rugby (1916)

(3) Hockey (1916)

(4) The House system was inaugurated.

(5) First Inter Schools Athletics Meet (1907)(Empire Day Games).

Major Harry Leslie Reed M.A. (Cantab). Born 16th October 1885. Died 27th October 1969 in England. Educated at Merchants Taylors and Clare College, Cambridge.

Wrangler, Mathematics Tripos, 2nd Class Historical Tripos. Asst. Master Science and Mathematics, Westminster School London. Principal 19th August 1920 to March 1932 on a salary of £800 per annum. Served in First World War as Major in Territorials (1915) and in France (1916-1918). Wrote (1) Text Book “Plane Trignometry” (1930).(2) “Monthly Mathematical Test Papers.” (3) “Plane Problems” Papers for Upper Middle Forms.” Reed visited Ceylon and the old school in 1955.

Reed presided over many innovations in School affairs in Education and in Sports.

1) Prefect System was introduced (1920).

2) Reorganised the House System (1921).

3) Held the First Classes for N.C.O.’s in Cadet Battalion (1921).

4) Formed Games Club (associated with Old Boys Union (1921).

5) New College Crest (1922).

6) Associations Formed :-

a) Junior Literary Association.

h) Social League.

c) Masters Guild.

d) Arts Society.

e) Natural History Society.

f) Radio Club.

g) The Historical Association (1930).

h) Introduced ‘Mathematical Sets’.

7) College Song ( composed and set to music by him) (1927).

Innovations connected with Sports were :-

8) Colours Awarded for Sports (1922).

9) Blazer for Cricket (stripes and Crest) (1928) and plain Blue Blazer with Crest for Boxing, Rugby and Athletics and for Tennis plain Blue Blazer with Crest with Crown and word ‘Floreat’ (1928).

10) Building of the College Pavilion (1930) assisted by Old Boys’ Union.

11) The Writing of the ‘History of the Royal College’ (1931/32).

Principal Reed initiated the formation of the Management Section (Schools) of the Ceylon Amateur Athletics Association which organised the First Public Schools Athletics Meet In 1930.

All of Reeds successful innovations have lasted the past 65 years.

Major Reed was the son of & Mrs. G. Marlowe Reed who was Chairman Middlesex County Council on. Mrs. Reed took a very keen interest activities, especially in training the College Choir-which beat all the leading Girls Schools in Colombo from 1920-1931 (the Competition was not held in one year)

Reed has an achievement unique amongst our Principals. In his last 3 years Royal College were Public Schools Cricket Champions (1929- 1931), Public School Athletic Champions 1930-1931 (shortly after he left Ceylon, Royal were Athletic Champions again in 1932) and also won the Meaden Shield for Singing for Schools for 10 successive years (1920-1931).

Lionel Henry Wynn Sampson, B.A. (Oxon) F.R.G.S. Born on 15th July 1880. Died on 15th May 1963 in England. Educated at Kings School Worcester. Obtained Kings Scholarship and went up to Hertford College Oxford. Fellow Royal Geographical Society. Joined as Classics & History Master on 23rd September 1909. First Vice Principal of Royal College from October 1923 to March 1932.

On War Service in First World War as 2nd Lt. Royal Army Service Corps (Horse Transport) with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Palestine & Syria from 1917 to 1919 (on leave from College), under the command of General Allenby. Principal of Royal College from March 1932 to March 1938. On retirement was a lecturer in History and Classics at Christ College, Brecon, Wales.

As Acting Principal in 1920, he saw the introduction of Rugby. (vs. Trinity College)

As Acting Principal in 1924

(1) he introduced the College Flag with the Crest embroidered in the center and (2) he issued Badges to Prefects (both on Prize Day 30th July 1924).

Sampson also introduced:-

1) Swimming and Gymnastics into the sports program.

2) Enforced strictly the Under 19 age rule for all Sports.

3) Sinhalese & Tamil and Science Libraries were started.

4) Sinhalese & Tamil Literary Societies formed.

5) Parent Teacher Associations started.

6) Sinhalese and Tamil as Compulsory subjects in 1938.

A disciplinarian who followed the tradition of his illustrious predecessors. His weekly visits to the Form to take the ‘positions’ is still remembered by many, especially by those who paid a return visit to the Principal’s office for a caning. For the first time, Sinhalese and Tamil were made compulsory Subjects along with Latin and English. In his Prize Day Report, he gave his plans which were heartily approved by His Excellency the Governor Sir Reginal Stubbs (1937) and put into effect in 1938.

A good Golfer, he took part in many competitions at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. To date, he is the only Principal to have arranged an Overseas cricket tour for the Royal College Team. He was solely responsible (aided by L. V. Gooneratne) for the highly successful tour of Perth, Adelaide & Melbourne in March 1936. One of the cricketers our team encountered was Keith Miller of Melbourne High School. In 1935 he offered the L. H. W. Sampson Challenge Cup (to be competed annually) for the Schools 440 Yds. at the AAA Meet.

Edward Laurence Bradby, M.A. (Oxon). Born 15th March
1907, educated at Rugby and at Oxford. Was on the staff of Merchants Taylors. First in Classics and, first in Moderation. Secretary, International Student Service Geneva (1936-1939). Principal from 12th November 1939 to December 1945 on a salary of £ 1,100 per annum. On retirement from Ceylon, Bradby was the Principal of St. Pauls Training College, Cheltenham.

Bradby was the youngest Principal of Royal since 1879 at 32 years. Bradby took over during the most challenging time in Ceylon’s history. World War II had commenced (on 2nd September 1939) when he arrived and only ended at the time of his departure in 1945. A chaotic situation with notice to move out in a concise time from Reid Avenue. Cinnamon Gardens, was ably handled and the move to the University College buildings was completed without a hitch. It was a job well handled. For his untiring efforts, Bradby falls into the line of Royal’s greatest Principals.

He introduced:-
1) Additional 5th and 6th forms.
2) Pali as a Subject.
3) Scouting on a permanent basis.
4) Farming into the School curriculum.

5)The Gymnasium was declared open in 1940.
6) He obtained permission from the Department of Education for boys to for the London Inter-Science & Inter-Arts from Royal College hitherto allowed only those at the University College & Private Students.
7) He was the First Principal of Royal to take an active part in the Cadet Battalion as Officer Commanding ‘A’ Company ( 1941 ) and was G.S.M. of the Scouts (1944).

James Clifford Aelian Corea, M.A. Psychology (Lond), Diplom, in Education (Cantab). Born 17th January 1904. Educated at Royal College. Master at Kingswood College, Kandy and at Wesley College, Colombo. President All Ceylon Teachers ‘ Union. Vice-Principal Royal College 1943-1945. Principal January 1946 to June 1953. Warden Ceylon Students Centre, London.

Corea, was the First Ceylonese and First old Royalist (at Royal 1922) Principal of Royal College. During his tenure of office the new school buildings were constructed which accommodated the:-

New Library, Theatre Hall, Music Room. Geography Woodwork Room.

Social studies were introduced and the Film Society formed. Royal College got its first turf pitch in 1953.

Corea brought the boys back to their old home at Reid Avenue in January 1946 after 4 years of exile. Corea saw the dawn of a new era in Education in Ceylon with the implementation of the Free Education Scheme in 1947.

After retirement he was War-den, Ceylon Students Centre in London and Education Officer at the Ceylon High Commission in London. He was in Sri Lanka along with Principal Bradby in July 1983, and visited his old College.

Kenneth George de Silva, B. Sc., (Lond). Diploma 27th July 1911. Died 29th June 1974, Colombo. Educated at Royal College and University College, Colombo. Was on the staff of Kingswood College, Kandy. Principal Wanduramba Central School, Akmeemana and of Piliyandala Central College. Education Officer in Charge of Adult Education. Principal April 1954 to October 1966. Promoted Director of Technical Education from 1966. As in Reed’s time, during Dudley de Silva’s tenure of office many innovations took place:-

1) College Song in Sinhala was used for the first time (1962).

2) Societies formed were:

a) The Photographic Society
b) Oriental Orchestra
c) Islamic Society
d) Buddhist Brotherhood
e) Hindu Students Union
f) Orchid Circle
g) Oriental Music Society
h) Western Music Society
i) Catholic Union
j) Junior Tamil Literary Society
k) Industrial Arts Club
l) Students Christian Movement

(3) Sports-New sports were introduced:

a) Rowing

b) Hockey

c) Basketball

d) Rifle Shooting

As Principal he found time to take regular classes in Maths. A true Christian, he was greatly respected by the students. He was the moving spirit in the formation of the Student Christian Movement in College but did not neglect the other religions. Dudley de Silva trained and conducted the College Choir. Was closely connected with the Church, as Organist at St. Paul’s Church Milagiriya, Colombo 4 and St. Paul’s Church, Kandy.

Bogoda Appuhamilage Premaratne, B.A. (Lond.) M.A. Ed:- Teachers College, Columbia University. N. Y. Born 15th March 1921 Educated a t Ananda College Colombo Inspector of Schools Vice Principal January 1959 to October 1966. Principal January 1967 to January 1971. He was the First to receive the UNESCO award of Teachers Education Fellowship (U.S.A.). was, Principal Teachers Training College, Mirigama. Later he was Commissioner of Examinations.

The Premaratne era saw:-

1) The opening of the Swimming Pool 1968 ;

2) The revised version of the College Song in Sinhala (1968).

3) Reed House was inaugurated (1970).

Principal Premaratne was the first Buddhist and the first non-Old Royalist Ceylonese to be appointed Principal. Premaratne maintained the cherished traditions of the College. Royal was still the College that Royalists, past-knew it to be, a great school to be proud of, at the end of his period.

Don Gunaratne Welikala, B. Sc., (Lond). Born 13th December 1923. Educated at Ananda College, Colombo and University of London. Principal from February 1971 to February 1972. Subsequently promoted as Regional Director of Education, Gampaha.

The College Boarding House was reopened in 1971.

Don Joseph Noel Seneviratne, M.A. (Columbia); B.A. (Hons) (Loud) ; FG.TR D Cert. History (Ceylon). Born 1 5th December 1919. Educated at St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota and University College, Colombo. Principal, St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy. Principal from February 1971 to 31st July 1972. Subsequently promoted Regional Director of Education, Kandy. He requested the Ministry of Education to relieve him from the post of Principal Royal, College (1972).

During the period February 1971 to July 1972 one institution-the Automobile Club, was formed.

Lokukankanange David Hemachandra Peiris, B. Sc., (Lond), Diploma in Education (Ceylon). Born 1 6th July 1920. Educated at Ananda College, Colombo and University College,Colombo. Principal August 1972 to December 1980. Director of Education, Nuwara Eliya.

Vast changes took place during the tenure of office of Principal Peiris. The School Roll at Reid Avenue increased to nearly 7000 pupils-an University size population. Even with the ever expanding administrative affairs, Principal Peiris had his fingers on the pulse and a grip on the affairs of his ‘little State’. He weathered the efforts to change the name of Royal College, with the support of the Old Boys Union and he was to see Royal College reach great heights .. Both in Education and in Sports; Royal College virtually took first place in the island during his regime.

Principal Peiris was a man of firm decision, who did not cave in, when others tried to avoid the rules. A strict disciplinarian (who never used the cane), Principal Peiris may have made a few errors but the good done to the School far outweighed the few errors. Items of interest during his period were:-

1) The College Institutions formed during Peiris’ tenure as Principal numbered 33,

(see Chapter on Institutions).

2) The Sports Trophies won constitute a record-269 Trophies & Championships.

The cricket team lost only one match out of 128 games (won 36) between 1972 and December 1980. The Academic achievements were” First class “

Principal Peiris’ regime was a Golden Era, surpassing the eras of Harward and Reed. He retired from Government Service in December 1980. Principal Peiris reintroduced the Grade 6 Admission Tests, and the teaching of French, German & Japanese. Royal reached the high water mark of its 145 year history during Principal Peiris’ regime.

Colombopatabendige Titus Marcus Fernando, B.A. (Lo Diploma in Ed. (Cey.), Dip. in Ed. Admin. Born 25th August 1929.

Educated at Holy Cross College, Kalutara, University of Peradeniya. (Ceylon), University of London, Murray House College, Edinburgh. Regional Director of Education, Tangalle. Principal January 1981 to 1986.

During the period 1981-1985. The Old Boys built a new Sports Pavilion.