Chichele Essay 2019: Winner announced

Matthew Barker (PS5) is the winner of the school’s 2019 Chichele Essay.

The Chichele Essay is named after Henry Chichele (1363-1443), Archbishop of Canterbury and Founder of All Souls College Oxford. The prize was established some fifty years ago by John Sparrow, Warden of Souls 1952-77 and a Skinner.

The competition is generously endowed by All Souls College, Oxford and takes the traditional form of an essay written in examination conditions, with a one-word title not disclosed in advance. Boys in their final year take part by invitation.

The All Souls Examiner, appointed annually by the school governors, visits Tonbridge to comment on the essays submitted, to announce the winner, and to take part in the celebration of Skinners’ Day.

This year the All Souls’ Examiner is Professor Simon Green, Professor of Modern History at the University of Leeds, and Extraordinary Research Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. Professor Green is a former Governor of Tonbridge School.

Matthew is pictured with Professor Green (left) and James Priory, Headmaster, Tonbridge School.