Former pupils of Brigg Grammar School will be interested in “lost” verses of the school song – Fortitudine - that have re-appeared after many years.
My memories of learning, and singing, the school song go back to 1967-74, when it had to be performed during Speech Day at Brigg Corn Exchange (sadly, long since demolished).
It has also been sung for many years at March’s annual dinner of the Briggensians’ Association, latterly held at Elsham Golf Club.
I can only recall learning two verses – the first beginning “Twas in the days of Charles...” and the second starting “Unselfish in his riches...”
And we’ve only sung these verses at all the dinners I’ve attended down the years.
However, at the recent thanksgiving service for the life of former chairman of Sir John Nelthorpe School governors, Roy O’Neill, four “extra” verses were printed on the Order of Service and sung by the congregation, which included many “old boys”.
We were led by the Sir John Nelthorpe School Choir – SJN, the comprehensive, being established in 1976 upon the demise of BGS after well over 300 years.
THE SIR JOHN NELTHORPE SCHOOL SONG
Floreat Schola Briggensis
(My attempt at translation: May Brigg’s School Flourish)
Twas in the days of Charles, the second of the name
On his demesne at Scawby, a man of fairer fame
There dwelt the good Sir John, a Nelthorpe true was he
His motto ours shall be
Fortitudine!
Among the men of law in Chambers of Gray’s Inn
He studied and he laboured, a place in life to win
And then in Lincoln county he lived right virtuously
His motto ours shall be
Fortitudine!
Unselfish in his riches and mindful of God’s poor
Our founder gave broad acres to open wide the door
Of learning’s mystic temple to every devotee
His motto ours shall be
Fortitudine!
He looks down from his portrait with grave and kindly eyes
On folly and on wisdom in ever changing guise
Encourages the workers and praises chivalry
His motto ours shall be
Fortitudine!
He reads the Rolls of Honour, the list of heroes bold
Who fought for king and country as fought the men of old
Who gave their all for England to make and keep us free
His motto ours shall be
Fortitudine!
‘Twas on his land they struggled in battles with the ball
May we, as they, be ready to hear stern duty’s call
In manhood as in boyhood, in air, on land, on sea
Their motto ours shall be
Fortitudine!
For the benefit of those who are not Briggensians (ex-pupils or staff), Brigg Grammar School was founded by a generous bequest in the will of Sir John Nelthorpe in 1669. He wanted to ensure that boys received worthwhile schooling and so left land in Lincolnshire from which the rent could be used to support the seat of learning. The Nelthorpe family has centuries-old links with Scawby and its Hall.
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN NOW READ MORE INTERESTING NEWS ABOUT BRIGG AND DISTRICT BY VISITING THE BRIGG PEOPLE WEBSITE?
“YOURS TRULY” IS THE COMMUNITY PUBLISHER. YOU CAN REGISTER WITH THE SITE AND THEN UPLOAD YOUR OWN NEWS, SPORT AND VIEWS.
3 comments:
Being an old boy myself I am pleased the extra four verses were found after 1978 . Thus sparing me the task of learning six verses off by heart . However the original two verses are still etched in my mind for the rest of my life therefore I can say I did learn something at school .
We were even taught Latin by a Mr Miles ( can't remember his first name) the first word we translated was courage ie fotitudine .
Mr Miles first name is Kenneth(Kenny as we knew him).For the pupils who passed the English O level a year early to take English Lit. the following year he described them as the creme of the creme in his unforgettable Scottish accent.
How refreshing to be reminded of all the verses. I first sang all the verses seventy five years ago at my first Speech Day.My memory tells me the guest of honour was either the Bishop of Lincoln or even the Earl of Yarborough. Perhaps the ceremony was held in the old Grand Cinema, Brigg.I hope this comment raises further discussion. John Golland. gollybigby@ Gmail.com
Post a Comment