School seek answer to 130-year cornflower mystery - The Leamington Observer

School seek answer to 130-year cornflower mystery

Leamington Editorial 24th Jun, 2014 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

PLANS are being made to mark the 130th anniversary of Leamington’s Kingsley School – and it is hoped the celebrations might help solve a mystery.

People with a connection with the independent girls school are being invited to attend a garden party – the first of a series of events being organised – on Saturday September 20.

Ex pupils and staff are being asked to contribute pictures or stories from their time at the school to add to an exhibition of items from the school archive, and it is hoped that somebody might also be able to solve the mystery of the school emblem which features cornflowers.

Headteacher Heather Owens said: “We all wear cornflowers with pride on special occasions at Kingsley and the flower features on our school badge and logo – however nobody really knows why it was chosen by our founders. It would be wonderful if we could find out.”




Kingsley’s 130th anniversary will be marked throughout the 2014/15 academic year with a series of events including a specially commissioned piece of choral music for the school choir to perform next Easter.

The school owes its existence to the determination and initiative of Rose Kingsley, the elder daughter of Charles Kingsley, the Victorian author known best for his novel The Water Babies.


Miss Kingsley was supported by many public-spirited residents and dignitaries who recognised the need for educational provision for young women from Leamington and the surrounding area.

The school began life in 1884 as Leamington High School and only became The Kingsley School to recognise and celebrate Rose Kingsley’s contribution to Leamington in 1949. It was originally located on The Parade in the town centre and moved to Beauchamp Avenue in 1922.

Anybody wishing to attend the garden party or get in touch with the school about any memorabilia they may have can contact Julie Westley in the school’s Development Office via email [email protected] or by calling 01926 425127.

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