Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > OP updates > Flagging history

Flagging history

All traditions have a beginning and the House flags, and leavers' "March through the Arch", have surprisingly recent origins.
18 Mar 2024
Written by John Sadden
OP updates
The house flags, which were first used for leavers' "March through the Arch" in 2012
The house flags, which were first used for leavers' "March through the Arch" in 2012

The idea for celebrating house achievements and house spirit came from the Second Master, Simon Lockyer, in 2011. He sought advice on the benefactors who gave their names to the Senior School houses. Only one, founder Dr William Smith, had a coat of arms, and so a suggestion was put forward drawing largely on elements of the school coat of arms against a background of the house colour.

Dr William Smith was granted his coat of arms in 1711, the most prominent element being the golden lion which was the obvious choice against a red background.

Alderman Joseph Whitcombe, who served on the town council and was mayor in 1881-82, was a popular public servant and philanthropist. The star and crescent, representing Portsmouth, reflects the Alderman's dedication to public service.

Thomas Latter's bequest paid for scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge for students intending to take Holy Orders. The coat of arms of Christ Church College, Oxford (which appears in the PGS arms because of the College’s role as Dr William Smith's trustees and continuing part in the governance of the School) was used against a yellow background.

Finally, the flag for Grant House, named after the School's re-founder, Canon Edward Pierce Grant, was based on the sword element from the crest for the Portsmouth Anglican Diocese, against a blue background. Canon Grant was Vicar of Portsmouth and also played a major role in the development of education in the town, helping to establish both the High School and a college that was to evolve into the University of Portsmouth.

The flags received their first public appearance down the High Street during the "March Through the Arch" leavers' procession of 2012.  

(Simon Lockyer has recently been appointed CEO and principal of the British School of Milan, following a successful nine years as Head of The Royal Hospital School.)

Similar stories

From the cover of "Gem" ;feral pupils and a long-suffering teacher at "St Jim's", a fictional school

A snapshot of PGS misbehaviour from sixty years ago. More...

The story of Leonard Dawe More...

As excitement mounts with the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, the school celebrates six OPs who have represented thei… More...

Peter Barnes (OP 1964) recalls life in the Combined Cadet Force sixty years ago More...

On the hundredth anniversary of the installation of electricity at PGS, we shed some light on school life, rapid change … More...

Most read

Generl Inspection at Hilsea, May 1964

Peter Barnes (OP 1964) recalls life in the Combined Cadet Force sixty years ago More...

Roger Black, Ed Leask, James Peters and Ross Morrison

As excitement mounts with the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, the school celebrates six OPs who have represented their country at the highest athle… More...

From the cover of "Gem" ;feral pupils and a long-suffering teacher at "St Jim's", a fictional school

A snapshot of PGS misbehaviour from sixty years ago. More...

Have your say

 
image

Address

High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2LN

Quick Links

Follow us on Social

This website is powered by
ToucanTech