A photograph album presented to the college in August 1952 by Bradfieldian Vincent Paul Grant (B 1938-42) paints a fascinating picture of life at Bradfield in the 1890s. The album belonged to his uncle Bradfieldian Richard Grant from South Croydon who arrived at Bradfield in May 1895. Filled with black and white images taken when cameras were not widespread, every part of Bradfield life and its heritage is captured at the end of the 19th century.

The roads at that time were unpaved dusty tracks and there were horses and carts. It was before the extension of College Chapel and the addition of the tower, when there was a large grassy bank in the corner of Quad where the war memorial is today. Photographs show the original college organ and altar area.  Pictures of boys, schoolmasters and sports teams at the time in front of Snake Door all capture the faces of the day. There are running races, agility courses over wooden fences, marching bands and photographs of their boarding house - known as Modern Side House - which later became known as House-on-the-Hill.

Richard’s younger brother Leslie Pulford Grant also joined him at Bradfield in September 1898. He was a keen sportsman and pictured in the College Cricket XI and Football XI during the years 1904-5. Images also show the Greek Plays Agamemnon in 1900 and Alcestis in 1904.

Both boys went on to serve in the Army Royal Field Artillery during the First World War, with Richard serving during 1916-19 and Leslie as a Gunner in 1914-19. Richard left Bradfield in July 1899 and Leslie in 1905 and they continued their connection with the College and returned for events, including Sports Day in April 1936. Richard had a house built in Pangbourne after the war, known as Corners, on Courtlands Hill and included in the house design his very own Snake Door, replicating near exactly the one at Bradfield.

These kinds of archive donations to the college are invaluable as they capture a different time and record the history of the college for us all to enjoy and share today.