100 YEARS AT REID AVENUE – By Dr. Gnana Sankaralingam (58 group)
In 1923, Royal College moved to the present location at Reid Avenue from its previous one at Thurstan Road, which was handed over to the University. On 10th October, Governor Sir William Manning declared open the new buildings making a permanent abode for the school a reality. Plans for a new school was drawn up in 1918 approved by government and the building when completed, was to serve as a model for a fully organised secondary school. Construction commenced in August 1919, and at the beginning of second term in 1923, nine classes were moved into the new site. From the inception, school has directed itself in producing people capable of spearheading advancement. The secular principle and multicultural environment, fosters free exchange of ideas and recognition of diverse identities, maintaining a rich history of tradition being passed down the generations.
At the beginning there was only the two storied building in front housing the hall and a single story building at the back housing science block, separated by a quadrangle in the middle. Buildings possessed certain distinctive features rooted in colonial architecture, reminiscent of Victorian styled ones. The boundaries of this building ended at the college armoury in the west and principal’s office in the east. It housed the college hall, administrative offices and staff room on the ground floor and upper school classes and library on the top floor. Laboratories were in the building at the rear.
Main hall considered as symbol of the college, with its interior acting as gallery, displaying photographs of past principals and prominent old Royalists. Also, inscribed on the walls are names of winners of prestigious prizes. Hall has a seating capacity of about six hundred and the students have fond memories of attending functions there. During school assemblies, senior students occupied the chairs, while junior students watched the proceedings from the gallery and corridor upstairs. Within these ancestral walls, resides a spirit nurtured by devotion and fortitude of many loyal hearts.
In 1938 Boake gates were built replacing earlier wooden ones, funded by the will left behind by Principal Rev. Barcroft Boake. Wrought iron gates were made at the government factory with the help of old Royalist director of public works Kenneth de Kretser. In 1950, east and west wings were added completing the boundaries of the quadrangle, and in 1961 the section at the back was raised to second level. Subsequently other structures were constructed thus making it a vast complex.
Landmarks that predate new buildings are the oak building and tamarind tree. Oak building which was part of teacher training school prior to being acquired by Royal College, was used as the school boarding house, until the new one was constructed. Many hostellers recall the cricket games they played in the lawn at the middle of this building. Tamarind tree, which is an icon in the grounds, the leafy shade of which, has sheltered many a student in its time during the school intervals. These uniquely distinguishing characters serve as a constant reminder of a great legacy left behind.
Thus the school which started in 1835 in the back verandah of Wolvendhal church with twenty students, has over the years having moved through several locations, settled in the present premises catering to thousands of students. It stands in these spacious and picturesque surroundings, bringing happy memories to all those who had the fortune of passing through the portals of the school.
