05/11/2026
𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 - 𝗔 ‘𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀’ 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Sometimes, the most remarkable pieces of history are waiting quietly in the archives to be rediscovered.
During a recent visit to the Haileybury Archives, Dr Sam Koon showed us a fascinating collection of historical items, including one particularly significant discovery made by a pupil from the Vths, who is part of the small team assisting with the archives.
Among the records were the original handwritten minutes of a Haileybury Guild meeting held on 2 August 1907, documenting the appointment of Clement Attlee as manager of the Stepney Boys’ Club.
Founded in 1892 by the then Master, Canon Edward Lyttelton, the club aimed to provide opportunities, skills and hope to disadvantaged boys in London's East End.
Attlee had first visited the club in 1905, later describing the experience as one that changed the course of his life. His involvement helped shape his political beliefs and set him on a path that would eventually lead to 10 Downing Street as Prime Minister in 1945.
As Dr Sam Koon so aptly described it, this was a ‘sliding doors’ moment in history. A seemingly modest appointment, recorded in an ordinary meeting notebook, that would have extraordinary consequences.
Our thanks to Dr Koon and the pupils who help uncover and preserve these fascinating pieces of Haileybury's heritage. It is discoveries like this that remind us just how far the school's influence has reached beyond its walls.
