The Archives and Historic Collections

The Archives and Historic Collections of Sherborne School preserve and make available for research material relating to the history of Sherborne School. The collections cover all aspects of School life and include:

  • The Sherborne Register 1550-2000 [The Sherborne Register 1925-2000 (7th ed.) is available online here.
  • Governors' and Headmasters' reports.
  • School magazines, including The Shirburnian 1859 to date.
  • Blue books, 1892 to date.
  • Photographs (School, House, teams, events, buildings, and Royal visits).
  • School uniform and sporting colours.
  • Cups, trophies and medals.
  • Programmes.
  • Film footage and oral history recordings.
  • Artwork.
  • Old Shirburnian Society Annual Record, 1897 to date.
  • Papers of Old Shirburnians, including Alan Turing, Alec Waugh, Peter Oliver, and James Critchell Bullock.
  • Material relating to local events, including the Sherborne Pageant of 1905 and the bombing of Sherborne in 1940.
  • Books about the history of Sherborne School.
  • Books by or about former members of staff and Old Shirburnians.

The collection also includes a reference library of approximately 900 volumes published between the fifteenth and the twentieth century, with at its core the School's seventeenth century library. Subject areas covered include Latin, Greek, French and English authors, philosophy, history, travel, topography, ecclesiastical history, bibles, natural science, architecture, and lexicography.

The Dorset History Centre holds some of the School archives, including the School Charter of 1550, administrative and financial papers up to 1950, and papers relating to the School's former estates. For further details visit the Dorset History Centre website, or contact the Dorset History Centre at Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1RP, T: 01305 250550, email: archives@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Using the Archives and Historic Collections

Researchers are welcome to consult the collections on weekdays between 9am and 5pm. Please contact the School Archivist to arrange an appointment.

Contact details

For all enquiries, including appointments and donations, please contact:

Miss Rachel Hassall MArAd, RMARA
School Archivist
Sherborne School
Abbey Road
Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 3AP
T: 01935 810 431.
E: rhassall@sherborne.org