History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #8: The first Sedberghian magazine
‘Most public Schools, many of them with smaller numbers than our own, enjoy an institution which often forms one of the leading features of the School – that institution is a School Magazine’. So began the first editorial article of the newly formed Sedberghian published in November 1879. The editorial continued ‘Our aim may be said to be threefold – firstly, and chiefly, we would give to the School a printed paper which shall form a genuine record of all School matters worth recording, both as regards work and play; secondly, we would strive to encourage a literary feeling in the School by affording an opening for fame in our Magazine to Sedberghians, past and present; and last, but not least, that those who have grievances or suggestions affecting the common weal shall be able to make them known “through the medium of our press”.’
In all three aims the magazine can be said to have been successful.
The School Archive holds both a printed version of the first edition, and a hand written copy that was sent off to be type-set and then returned. The opening edition established a pattern that was to become familiar to readers, beginning with an editorial, featuring prose and poetry written by pupil contributors and articles of both ‘School’ and ‘University’ news. The Sedberghian goes on to record the happenings of Sedbergh’s many musical groups and academic societies. Debates are recorded at times in great detail, the first school debate ever recorded on the motion ‘that this house entirely disapproves of Cremation’ is no exception with a lengthy account of both sides of the discussion. The motion was carried with a majority of just one vote.
Most poignantly, the first edition also featured the obituary for Headmaster Frederick Heppenstall. In describing his work at Sedbergh the writer recorded that ‘he showed the same energy and enthusiasm, the same principle, and conscientious endeavor to do his duty regardless of consequences’.
Over the nearly 150 years since The Sedberghian was first established there has been a change in emphasis from pupil created content to more formal accounts of School activities written by staff. The early accounts of sports teams certainly pull no punches. Early ‘Criticisms of the Fifteen’ include such comments as, ‘He has a great deal to learnt yet. His worst fault is that of kicking the ball out of the pack to the opposite halves and three–quarters. He must learn to become cleverer with his feet.’
The Sedberghian also changed with the times in matters of format. Originally published as a slim volume six times each year, in 1968 the format changed to a landscape magazine published annually. Colour images were first seen in a special publication for the Royal Visit in 1991 with the first full colour edition a decade later.
In fact, The Sedberghian wasn’t Sedbergh’s first publication. The Sedbergh Vindicator, published in 1840, was a handwritten newsletter sharing news and parody accounts of aspects of Sedbergh School life. The Vindicator was priced at 2 1/2d per issue, around £8.60 in today’s money, which the modern reader assumes was part of the spoof. ‘The Cynic’ followed later as a rival to the Sedberghian. The July 1919 publication offered an alternative view to the patriotic, loyal prose of the post war Sedberghian magazine.
The Sedberghian is still published annually, offering insight into the opportunities and achievements available to pupils, and creating a vital historic record for the future.