Oakham School Archives

The war broke out in August 1914, after a time of political and social unrest in Europe. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb, in Sarajevo on 28^th June 1914 was the starting point of a series of ultimatums and diplomatic strategies. Alliances were secured in the following month.

On the 05^th July 1914, the Kaiser Wilhelm II pledged Germany’s full support to Austria-Hungary in its conflict against Serbia. It is remembered as the Blank Check Assurance. Austria-Hungary and Germany signed an alliance with Bulgaria, to countervail Russia’s influence in the Balkans. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on 28^th July 1914 and on Russia on 05^th August 1914. Germany declared war on Russia on 01^st August 1914 and on France on 03^rd August 1914.

Serbia on the other hand was allied to Russia. The neutral country of Belgium was invaded by Germany in August 1914, which urged Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany and its allies. On the 05^th September 1914, the Treaty of London was signed between Russia, Great Britain and France, creating the Entente. Italy signed the Treaty of London in 1915 and joined the Entente.

At Oakham School in the early 20^th century, pupils were taught Physics, Chemistry, English, Maths, Woodwork, Sport, Latin, Art, French, History, Divinity and Greek. The headmaster at the time, Walter Lee Sargant, invested a lot of money in constructing new buildings for the teaching of Physics and Chemistry. On Sunday, there was a compulsory Bible class. Pupils could not take subjects like Geography until their Form V. Unlike today, there were no GCSEs or A Levels. National exams were not introduced until 1918.

Each Easter term, the Debating Society took place discussing topics such as Home Rule for Ireland, women’s suffrage and the right to strike.

Before the war, pupils did not necessarily wear a uniform unless it was cricket colours: ‘Our junior teams when visiting would present a much more uniform appearance if they all possessed a School Blaze’.

Tea was served at 7pm.