BRADFIELD ARCHIVE: 50 more years released

From its foundation to the present, Bradfield’s magazines, written by both pupils and staff, whether in print or electronic format, have recorded the rich tapestry of school life and kept alumni in close touch with the College.  All aspects of student experience are recorded in the journals, ranging from academic and sporting achievement to co-curricular activities.  They trace the evolution of academic provision over the years to prepare young men and women for a rapidly changing world, enriching the curriculum and welcoming opportunities offered by innovation.

Bradfield is committed to fostering knowledge and appreciation of its history, indeed the archive has been a rich seem for our 175^th anniversary celebrations, providing information and imagery for recent publications, Bradfield’s History ‘Bradfield College: Prosperity past our Deserving’, and the pictorial celebration of Bradfield, as well as the 175 timeline in Bloods corridor, the information boards around the Bradfield campus and also the wonderfully curated Bradfield 175 exhibition in the corridor leading to Bloods.

The journals include:

The Bradfield School Chronicle 1879-1886

The Bradfield College Chronicle 1887-2005

The Headmaster’s Newsletter 2003-11

The Bradfield News 2011-14

The Bradfieldian 2005-present

The Old Bradfieldian 1994-2013

Now that these publications have been digitised we encourage you to delve into their digital pages where you will find reports of cricket, football and other matches, and the triumph and tragedy of Cup Finals won and lost.  There are reviews of the Greek Play, Shakespearean drama and musical concerts, often accompanied by photographs.  The journals document the contribution of literary, artistic and scientific societies, publishing poetry and short prose, and describing important art exhibitions, experiments or research.

Bradfield’s long-standing political awareness is reflected in summaries of the at times passionate meetings of the Debating Society, which frequently engaged with the burning questions of the day.  Reports of visiting speakers presenting on a diverse range of topics and the records of school trips abroad illustrate a determination to travel beyond the confines of the Pang Valley and embrace a wider world.  The magazines demonstrate the roots of Bradfield’s contemporary social conscience in philanthropic initiatives dating from the nineteenth century.

Finally, they are a testament to the lifelong commitment of a wider Bradfield community of former pupils, parents and staff, who remain active in school life and generously support it in so many ways.