c. 1887
c. 1887
School Founded
31 January 1887- Rev Robert Henry Wix opens his newly built all boys school called St George’s consisting of a school room (Old Library), classrooms, dormitories, bathrooms, dining room and infirmary.
c. 1889
Chapel Built
The foundation stone for the Chapel is laid. The building work was carried out by Mr Wade of St Neots at a cost of £1,387. The Chapel was dedicated by the Bishop of St Albans on 19 May 1891.
c. 1904
c. 1904
School Closes
Rev Wix’s school closes and the buildings become vacant. Rev Wix retires to become curate at St Nicholas Church, Harpenden.
c. 1907
Co-ed Reopening
January 1907- St George’s reopens as one of the country’s first co-educational independent schools following the purchase of the buildings by Rev Cecil Grant. 39 boys, 20 girls, Rev Cecil Grant, his wife Lucy and other staff begin in January 1907, most having relocated from Keswick School in Cumbria.
c. 1909
First Sports Day
1st sports day held on 20 March. The pictures feature the boys 100 yards and the girls 220 yards races.
c. 1914
c. 1914-18
First World War
First World War. Many Old Georgians see active service after leaving school, with 19 losing their lives in the conflict. This memorial, added in the 1920s, was designed by Alec Hunter, an Old Georgian. Unfortunately, the memorial succumbed to woodworm in the 1960s.
c. 1923
Chapel Extended
The West end of the Chapel is extended to accommodate the growing numbers of pupils in the school. The work is paid for by donations to the school’s Great War memorial fund.
c. 1928
21st Anniversary
23 June 1928 – St George’s comes of age and marks its 21st birthday with a day of celebration. There is a special service, trees are planted in Captain’s grove and new buildings are officially opened including the Chapel cloisters and the 1st floor of what is currently the 6th form area.
c. 1938
1939
Second World War
1939-45-second World War. Many Old Georgians see active service after leaving school, with 42 losing their lives in the conflict. The current war memorial, which is on the balcony in the Chapel, was added in the 1960s and designed by Anthony Evans, an Old Georgian.
c. 1967
State School Transition
St George’s ceases to be an independent school and becomes a Voluntary Aided, State School.
A large development of new buildings are opened including; the dining room, Old Gym, science rooms and the rooms currently occupied by the art department.
c. 1971
1971
Crosthwaite Opens
23 April 1971-the new boys’ boarding house called Crosthwaite is opened by Sir Stephen Luke, Chair of Governors. The previous boarding house was located in Carlton road on the site of Crosthwaite Court flats.
c. 1972
House System Introduced
The 4 house system bearing the names Grant, Goddard, Monk, Watts is introduced by the Headmaster, Mr Meadows.
c. 1989
1989
Princess Anne Visit
The school is visited by Princess Anne. The princess has been involved with the work of Save the Children since 1970 and the school has supported the charity since its foundation in 1919.
c. 1999
Burgin Centre Opens
25 November 1999-The technology block (named the Burgin centre) is formally opened by Trevor Baylis OBE, the inventor of the clockwork radio.
c. 2009
2009
Sports Centre Opening
15 October 2009-the Heather Jarvis Sports Centre and Kevin Parsons buildings are formally opened by her Royal highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.
