OLD AZURIANS
ASSOCIATION
Henry William Fernehough Franklin (1962-70)
Main Subjects: Use of English, General Studies
His length of service at WHSB was not the longest by any means, but he was in some ways one of the most distinguished masters, in terms of sporting achievements and academic experience, ever to bring enlightenment to the school’s pupils.
He was born in Ford End, Essex on 30 June 1911, the son of a Great Waltham schoolmaster Henry Franklin. He was awarded a scholarship to Christ’s Hospital in 1912, and whilst there played in the Cricket First XI for five years. He gained an Exhibition to Christ Church, Oxford. He was selected for a cricket Freshman’s trial match and played a few games for Oxford, but had better success playing as an amateur with county teams Surrey and Essex, amongst others. Although, as a batsman, he played some famously crucial innings in his cricketing career, it was his tireless and skilful fielding that was outstanding.
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He also played hockey and rugby for Oxford University, and rugby, for Christ’s Hospital Old Blues and Barbarians, as an outstanding full back. He eventually gained recognition at Oxford by being awarded a Blue in his fourth year, and was given a trial for England.
After graduation he spent time as an assistant master at Radley College (1924-27) and Rugby School (1927-39) before being appointed as Headmaster at Epsom College during the difficult times of WW2. After nearly 20 years in that post He “retired” to Worthing, but soon after, in December 1962, found himself helping out with junior RE and History at WHSB and taking on the Sixth Form Use of English course. When he once more “retired”, in 1970, his departure was regarded with concern, such was the impact he had made in delivering Sixth-Form General Studies courses on New Testament Greek and the Ancient World.
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