Sherborne School’s first school magazine, King Edward’s Casket, was published irregularly during the Headmastership of the Rev. Ralph Lyon (1823-1845). The magazine was described as ‘spicily personal’ and ended its days with a violent fight between two of the contributors.
The first issue of The Shirburnian was published in March 1859. It was devised as ‘an outlet for its [the School’s] wit, and also an easy means of printing all its News, both as regards those of us who are here and those who have left.’ But the initial run was short-lived. However, it was resurrected in 1864 and published continuously from that year until 2010.
The Rules of the magazine were published in the March 1859 issue:
- That the Shirburnian be published on the first day of every Month during the half year.
- That no contributions be received from anyone who is not, or has not been a member of the King’s School, Sherborne.
- That no anonymous contributions be received, but that the full name be enclosed in a sealed envelope, which will not be opened if the contribution be rejected.
- That all communications be addressed “To the Editor of the Shirburnian, King’s School, Sherborne, Dorset.”
- That all discussions of a Religious or Political nature, and also Personalities, be excluded.
- That every contribution be the bona fide production of the contributor.
- That no unfinished articles be received; but if a long story be intended to appear in continuous number, that the whole be sent in at once.
Former editors of The Shirburnian have included Alec Waugh, Cecil Day-Lewis, Michael McCrum, Hugh Swynnerton Thomas, Stanley Johnson, Richard Eyre and Tim Heald.
In July 1980, colour covers were introduced for the first time. Find out more about The Shirburnian: a cover story.
Online resources:
For further information about the Sherborne School Archives please contact the School Archivist.
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