OB children - not just record-breaking numbers

Two of the record-breaking 51 children of Old Breconians in the recently posted photo are Molly and Hugh. Currently in St Nick's, they can claim that their great-great-grandfather, R B Lattimer, joined the school as a Master in 1895.

Robert Binney Lattimer (Master 1895-1904) joined his former Headmaster, Revd Chambers (Headmaster 1895-1921), from Victoria College, Jersey and became Housemaster of The Hostel (now Donaldson’s House). 

As well as being a Housemaster, R B Lattimer was a classicist who taught some mathematics and "a little science". He was also a sports coach, sang in the choir and organised theatrical entertainments. In the 1896 photograph of Masters (above), he appears as the rather dour figure seated on the left, but he inspired respect and devotion amongst his colleagues and the boys in his care and he was remembered with much fondness: 

Few people could have been so often asked their opinion informally, and few could have made a more judicious and disinterested use of such opportunities. There were strong men on the staff of Christ College during those years, but no better Schoolmaster than Lattimer, no one who held a higher place in the affection and esteem of that little world called School.

It is no surprise to learn that when R B Lattimer left to take up another appointment, The Breconian recorded, "His loss is keenly felt, and though parted from us he still continues to maintain his affection for the old School.” That certainly seems to have been the case and his son, Robert d’Arcy Lattimer (Hostel 1922-1926), joined the school some years after Robert senior left.

Robert d’Arcy, Molly and Hugh's great-grandfather, joined his father's old House in 1922. He was an editor of The Breconian, a School Prefect and a keen debater. He also played for the XV, where he was known as a fine and clever tackler who was “good with his feet”. He was awarded his colours in 1926 and can be seen standing in the middle row (fourth from the left) in the XV team photo for 1926/27.

Who would have thought that almost a hundred years’ later, one of R B Lattimer's great-great-children would be sporting the colours cap awarded to Robert d'Arcy Lattimer in 1926. 

After Robert junior left school, the Christ College links continued through the family friendship with his old Housemaster: Canon Donaldson officiated at the marriage of Robert junior to Hugh and Molly's great-grandmother. Most OBs will know that The Hostel was later renamed Donaldson's House in his honour. 

And there is yet another generation to reveal. Hugh and Molly's father, Alastair (Robert junior's grandson), was a Donaldson's man from 1989 to 1994! 

Like the story of K Thomas posted last year, the story of the Lattimer lineage tells of the depth of family connections amongst Old Breconians – not just across the generations but across the centuries.

We are sure there are other stories out there that tell of similar historic family connections. If you have one to share, let Felicity or Huw know. We’d love to know more. 

Photos of Hugh and Molly are included here with the kind permisison of their family.