Educating our pupils about CLC history is a huge part of life at College, and May was a busy month for the Archives Department. Read below to see what the Department has been doing recently.
On 15th May, Ms Woodhead reflected on the profound impact of the Second World War on College life to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. In 1940, Principal Margaret Popham faced immense challenges as the government requisitioned the College’s buildings, which forced staff and pupils into makeshift classrooms, army huts, and scattered housing across the county.
Students adapted with resilience, attending lessons in converted swimming baths, enduring blackout anxieties, taking part in air raid drills, and even ‘digging for victory’ in College gardens. Despite hardship, the community spirit thrived.
During the Prayers, Miss Robinson read from letters from wartime pupil, Patricia Eardley, and Miss Popham’s own wartime recollections to bring their experiences to life.
On 2nd and 16th May, Miss Robinson led enrichment sessions for LC2 pupils and LC3 Academic Scholars, focusing on Cheltenham Ladies’ College during the First World War.
Soon after the outbreak of war, College established its own Red Cross hospital, St Martin’s, which was staffed by volunteer members of the College community. Pupils explored how life at College changed during this period, examining original archives and artefacts from the time.
They learned how students were trained in first aid, nursing, and practical wartime skills such as running hospital laundries and setting up field kitchens.
The sessions offered a powerful insight into the courage, resilience, and adaptability demonstrated by staff and students during a time of national crisis.
In History lessons this month, LC1 pupils explored the concept of “uncomfortable collections” - objects in museums that have difficult or painful histories.
Drawing on examples from CLC’s own collections, as well as case studies like the Elgin Marbles and Anne Frank’s diary, pupils took part in thoughtful discussions about ownership, repatriation, cultural respect, and the ethics of displaying personal or sacred items.
On 7th May, members and guests of the Bellis Society gathered at the Church for a morning immersed in the treasures of the College Collections. The event offered the chance to view an extraordinary selection of artefacts, rare books, fine and decorative art, and photographs, each carefully purchased or gifted to the College since the foundation.
Attendees were also treated to other specially selected items, such as Elizabeth Blackwell’s pioneering botanical masterpiece, A Curious Herbal (1737–1739), and William Blake’s stunning Illustrations of the Book of Job (1826).
The gathering fostered engaging conversations and deepened appreciation for the richness of the College Archives and collections.
Miss Robinson, College Archivist
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