An unexpected discovery on a Junior School bookshelf revealed four books belonging to J.C. Peill from 1918–19. As these books pre-date the Junior School itself, they must have journeyed from the Senior School at some point, surviving countless moves and remaining undisturbed for generations. The four books we believe formed part of the English & French curriculum and were all by Rudyard Kipling including ‘The Seven Seas’ and  ‘Plain Tales From The Hills’.

Our ledgers show these books belonged to John Crossland Peill, born in Leeds in 1901. John was named after his Grandfather, a Minister from Kendall. The family moved to Hull in 1911 and john started at the School in 1914. Form Lists from the archives records show that John was very apt at English belonging to the Literary and Debating Society. Before leaving the School John had risen to become Senior Prefect a Lance-Corporal within the Officers Training Corps.

After leaving the School John worked for the coal board and married Emily Johnson in 1928. He returned to the School as an Old Hymerian and played in a Golf Tournament with classmates from his year. Records show that as a member of the coal industry, he was exempt from fighting in WW2 to ensure that the country maintained its essential coal supply, instead John volunteered as a Special Constable. John and Emily later moved to Ripon and then Bradford, where John passed away in 1984, age 83.

More than a century after they were first issued, these books offer a remarkable connection to one of Hymers' former pupils and a glimpse into his schooldays. Discoveries like this are a wonderful reminder of the rich history that continues to hide within the School's buildings and archives, often waiting patiently to be found. From the books on our shelves to the records in our archives, each find helps us celebrate the enduring bond between the School and its pupils, past and present.