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It is inevitable that the ‘h’ should begin a History of Christ College in 41 Objects. Originating from a motif in the stained glass windows installed in the dining hall in 1864, the design has become the familiar symbol that evokes our Royal Founder.
The ‘h’ appears in every part of the school: from pupils’ uniforms and the etched windows in Y Neuadd to the ‘h’ bush and the floor of the tunnel. Revealing an understated pride in the school’s history, it is even stamped into shortbread biscuits baked in the school kitchens and served to visitors.
Photo: XV Colours cap. Worn by the Captain, D L Jones in 1914/15.
The ‘h’ has not always been as ubiquitous as it is today. Occasionally used on printed material at the end of the nineteenth century, it is not until the turn of the twentieth century that it is used with any consistency.
From 1900 onwards the 'h' was embroidered in twisted metal thread onto the crown of the XV Colours caps. Around the same time it was also seen embroidered in thick thread on school caps. A similar 'h' appeared on the XI blazer from around 1908.
When the striped summer blazer was first introduced on the late 1930s, a thickly embroidered 'h' emblazoned the breast pocket. It appeared on blazers in various forms until its consistent use on the new dark blue summer blazer that was introduced in 1957.
The style of the ‘h’ was simplified in 1970: the pointed downstroke was replaced by a gentler curve and the jewelled crown was replaced by an outline. In the same year, for the first time, the shirts of every player in the 1st XV bore the ‘h’. The new 'h' appeared on new blazers, Calendars, prospectuses and all school stationery.
Perhaps surprisingly, the ‘h’ featured on the school tie for the first time in 2008 when a new range of ties was introduced. You can read more about the story of the school tie in Object 36: the school tie.
The ‘h’ can be seen on anything that relates to Christ College - from ties to signage, and from games kit to exam papers - and, of course, biscuits. It also appears on Instagram accounts, website pages and almost every digital media posting.
It remains the most recognisable symbol of Christ College. That such a symbol has evolved into the digital age from a nineteenth century window that commemorated our Founder, reveals the school’s long history - one that is told through the 41 objects in the 15 41 exhibition.
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1892-93 from a Rugby Football fixture card.
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1910s. XV Colours cap.
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1930s. Summer blazer.
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1950s. Cricket jumper.
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1950s. The 'h' in a shield with the motto ribbon.
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1960s. School cap.
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1960s. The 'h' in a shield.
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1970. The new 'h'.
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1st XV shirt. First worn 1970/71.
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1991. 450th commemoration 'h'.
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The 'h' biscuit!
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2020s. The 'h' in social media.
