Jaguar Drivers Club
Area 18
Lunch at The Ribchester Arms, Ribchester
Followed by
Private Guided Tour of Stonyhurst College, Stonyhurst.
Organised and superbly arranged by David Hodgkinson
Two Smart cars outside The Ribchester Arms
David Mather and Alvis Enthusiast
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These early pictures have been supplied by Margaret, our Artistic Director, who will be off the air waves for
the next 10 days or so commencing Wednesday 21st February 2007 whilst John & Margaret move house.
AREA 18 VISITS STONYHURST COLLEGE
On the 18th February members of Area 18 were presented with the opportunity for Sunday Lunch in the Roman town of Ribchester followed by a visit to the world famous Stonyhurst College just a few miles down the road. Both are situated in the most attractive Ribble Valley area and the day was superb – bright sunshine and blue skies, such a rarity for this part of the world.
Lunch was a pleasant affair in a bright airy room and was also an opportunity for us to meet our guide for the Stonyhurst visit Mr Andrew Mather who just happens to be a J.D.C. member. For those really interested in motor cars, Andrew's friend had come along in a magnificent B.R.G. pre war Alvis which was an absolute treat to see and to follow along the country lanes to Stonyhurst.
Andrew who drives a Sea Frost XJ8 seemed to know all the right people and we were soon parked right in front of the College gates and receiving a quick background on the history of the establishment.
Stonyhurst is operated by the Jesuits whose original college providing catholic education for English students was set up on the continent during the reformation. As political and religious situations changed the whole enterprise was forced to de-camp first from St Omers then from Liege to Stonyhurst, Lancashire in 1794. From this most difficult re-location the college has built a most impressive reputation.
World famous students include poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, actor Charles Laughton and World Land Speed Record holder Capt. George Eyston. And then there were the soldiers. No fewer than 7 students went on to earn V C's in various conflicts, a remarkable record for a relatively small college.
The tour itself could only be described as highly privileged because it seemed no areas were off limits to Andrew and our party and he was a most knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
We had an open sesame to all manner of private places and marvelled at countless works of art that have been accumulated over hundreds of years by the college. The museum provides a remarkable over-view of several hundred years of the boarding school conditions for the boys (and now girls also) supported by a fine collection of artifacts that have somehow survived the years. However the most outstanding feature had to be the private collection of ancient books many dating back to the first dawn of printing. There are exceptional rarities on display but the sheer number of ancient texts has to be the most impressive aspect together with the fact that these are available for suitable scholars to pursue research. After all this is first and foremost a seat of learning and the Jesuit Order has always thirsted for knowledge.
The boys “Angel Chapel” and the main St Peter's church are both magnificent, with features of decoration which I thought quite unusual in any Roman Catholic church.
Building on the site dates back to at least the 13th century and a number of firsts are claimed by the college.
• In 1810-11The first public building in England to be lighted by gas.
• In 1810 the first science laboratories in an English school.
• In 1881the first indoor swimming pool in an English school.
This is really quite remarkable for an establishment in a backwater of Lancashire .
All in all this was a superb afternoon. All credit is due to David Hodgkinson for organising the event and to Andrew for his wonderful guide tour of Stonyhurst College.
Peter Marsland
The following pictures have been supplied by Barry Lewis.
Well done Barry, the quality of these shots is tremendous.
The Main Entrance
An Old Pupils Desk
Boy's will be boy's and engrave their name in the desk top;
50 lashes if caught in the act!
Jennifer almost spiraling out of control in the library
Peter concerned about anyone not being able to find a book
The back entrance
Alvis Tourer
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