Druitt and Winchester

[aspallek]

New thread for discussion of anything relating to Druitt's stay at Winchester including the quote in the 1972 paperback issue of Farson in which he mentions a report of a Kennyite (resident of Fearon's House) knowing in the 1890's of the Druitt family suspicion regarding Montague.

Here is probably just a remarkable coincidence:

The 1900 Warren Directory of Winchester lists a "Montague John Rendall" as Second Master at something called "The College" which was obviously not Winchester College perhaps some sort of preparatory school. A W.A. Fearon was the Headmaster. Now this same Montague John Rendall was in 1913, according to that year's Warren's, Head Master at St. Mary's College, Winchester. The governing body at St. Mary's included one Edward Tyas Cook as sub-warden. It's probably all coincidence but the existence of someone with the relatively rare forename combination "Montague John" at a location significant to Druitt and with ties to ET Cook is rather striking.

[Chris]

It's probably all coincidence but the existence of someone with the relatively rare forename combination "Montague John" at a location significant to Druitt and with ties to ET Cook is rather striking.

Another Montague John with local connections was the Liberal politician Montague John Guest (1839-1909), whose brother Ivor was the 1st Baron Wimborne:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montague_Guest

Here is a "Spy" portrait of him:
http://www.darvillsrareprints.com/Im...1881/guest.jpg

[aspallek]

Thanks, Chris. Perhaps "Montague John" as a forename combination wasn't so uncommon at the time.

[aspallek]

Cross-posted from the Farquharson thread so that discussion can be moved here:

I made a follow up inquiry to the Winchester librarian regarding what might be in the college archives and what is the general attitude of the college toward Druitt inquiries. He gave this rather interesting response:

"Dear Mr Spallek
As far as the Archives are concerned, we view Montague Druitt as just another Old Wykehamist. As we number at least four regicides and would-be regicides in our old boy lists, what is perceived by many as unacceptable behavior is no bar to our having relevant material. As it happens, part from the ‘Trusty Servant’ piece, there is surprisingly little in the collection about Druitt, and most of it stems from the 1972 article."

This is interesting since Farson and Cullen both wrote of Druitt before 1972. I can't remember how much Cullen has of his days at Winchester but Farson certainly does have much detail in his Pre-1972 editions.

[aspallek]

Well, I'm off to the archives! I have just heard from the archivist at Winchester who has invited me to come and have a look at all they have regarding Druitt. Unlike the librarian above, she indicates there is a good amount of material, including several photographs. I'll be there in about three weeks time.

[Natalie Severn]

Thats gracious of them Andy! Splendid...hope to hear lots of exciting news about it then when I see you at the WS mtg August 2nd.BTW I did get quite a lot of residents names from a book on Toynbee for the years 1885/86/87/88.Nothing on Monty though.However before I see you in August I will go again and ask if I can view old guest lists etc for that period.
Cheers
Norma

[aspallek]

Thanks, Nats. Perhaps we can even get together before the meeting.

I have been able to confirm that Edwin Percy Harvey (cf. Farquharson thread) was indeed resident at Turner's which was quite near Fearon's. Unfortunately, there is still no indication that he was related to Ann Harvey Druitt.

[Robert]

Hi Andy

He seems to have had more links with Russia than with the Druitt family. The only very tenuous link so far would be Monty's mother's fear of electrocution.

[aspallek]

Yes, I have the disappointing feeling that he was not related at all. Nevertheless, the discovery has opened my eyes to the possibility that it might have been the Harvey side of Montague's family who suspected him and that I may have been looking in the wrong place all along.

[Natalie Severn]

Hi Andy,
That would be really good- I need to be reminded of the exact dates you are going to be in London.We are often out of London during August but I can be around the last week of July /first week of August so if that fits in with your schedule great!
Best
Norma

[aspallek]

Hi Nats. I'm planning to be in Greater London from 23 July to 6 August.

[aspallek]

Your roving researcher here fresh from the archives at Winchester College where I struck "gold" -- in my view at any rate. Nothing terribly significant as to Montie's guilt or innocence but a lot to flesh him out quite a bit. The archivist presented me with a trove of "new" photos of Druitt at anywhere from age 13 to 19. Only one of them has been published but I was able to get a scan of what I am sure is a print from the original negative. It clearly shows Montie at nearly age 19 with a full mustache. I was also presented with scans of the other photos, both individual and group (class) photos. I cannot post them here because of restrictions regarding publication but the archivist assured my that there would be no problem getting permission to publish them in print -- but permission does have to be granted.

I also was presented with the minutes of the debating society which give a comprehensive summary of Druitt's arguments. As he served for a time as secretary, some of these are in his own hand.

Finally, I was shown the carving of his name in the great hall. Sorry to disappoint but it is clear that Druitt did not carve this himself. The names of many other students are present with exactly the same lettering. The archivist explained that the students probably hired the school carpenter to do this for them as this room was largely disused by the 1870's owing to the construction of new classrooms.

[Bailey]

Yikes, that's exciting stuff! Nice work, I look forward to seeing / reading more. When / where do you expect to be able to put your findings out into the world?

B.

[John Savage]

Great work Andy, sounds like you have enjoyed your visit to Winchester. I expect you found it exciting to read things in Monty's own handwriting as well as being able to view new pictures of the man.

Rgds
John

[Johnr]

Hello Andy,
Well done. Things are moving for you as the result of your initiatives.
I have long wanted some England-bound person to seek out the Dorset newspapers at Colindale newspaper Library in London, to see just what survives concerning our elusive Montague.
Don't forget Montague Druitt played cricket matches at Wimborne House the home of Lord Wimborne. It would be very interesting to learn what survives of those matches and that relationship.(Leighton mentioned Druitt played matches at Lord Wimborne's place,which had its own cricket pitch and team).
Also, if you have time learn all you can of the links between the Druitts of Wimborne and the local patron saint, Cuthbega.
I like the immediacy of your reports. Please pass on anything else you can share.Congratulations. JOHN RUFFELS.