Postcards of Hertford
The Gates, Christ’s Hospital
Postcard sold online 2006.
Christ’s Hospital Entrance, Hertford
Postcard sold online 2006.
Long view of The Square to the School Hall
Postcard no longer available. Photo of postcard provided by Kerren Simmonds 2’s 1957–1966.
Closer view of the School Hall
Postcard no longer available. Photo of postcard provided by Kerren Simmonds 2’s 1957–1966.
The old Grammar School
Postcard available from Kerren Simmonds 2’s 1957–1966.
The playground with the Science Block (left) and School Block (classrooms) with the Library in the distance
Postcard available from Kerren Simmonds 2’s 1957–1966.
If you have any photographs of Hertford, please email the Web Editor.
Founder’s Day Postcard (front) showing Hertford gymnasium
Christ’s Hospital, Hertford. The Gymnasium
ca. 1920 (cf. the Hertford Gym in 1910 (scrolldown).
Photo of postcard provided by Kerren Simmonds 2’s 1957–1966, who says:
“The best eBay postcard which I bought for a song, was a sepia picture of the gym in the 1920's. When I received it, however, I discovered that it had been 'postally used'.
It had been sent to an Old Girl, thanking her for her best wishes for Founder's Day (it used to be the custom for OG's to send cards/letters/telegrams to the School to congratulate it on Founder's Day). The card described the FD celebrations, which were followed by a Board of Education inspection which the 'girls had greatly enjoyed'. It was dated November 1929 - and signed 'NC Craig'. [N Craig was Norah Cicely Craig, Headmistress at Hertford 1921 to 1942.]”
Founder’s Day Postcard (back)
Postcard reads:
CH Hertford 16.11.29
Thank you very much for your greetings for Founder's Day. Which we celebrated in the time-honoured way. I had hoped to acknowledge your wire long ere this, but immediately after F. Day we plunged into a B of Education inspection. We had 6 Inspectors here for 5 days. That kept us very fully occupied. Everything went very well the girls thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Since then their interest has been keenly aroused by a General Knowledge Competition.
Did I hear a rumour that you were leaving the ICI? Also wonder what your plans for the future were?
With love and every good wish from N. Craig
Photo of postcard provided by Kerren Simmonds 2’s 1957–1966.
Day Room, Hertford
Christ’s Hospital, Hertford. Day Room in Ward
Postmarked 7th December 1922.
Photo of postcard provided by Kerren Simmonds 2’s 1957–1966, who says:
“I have struck gold again on eBay, with another postcard written by Norah Craig, this time on 7 December 1922, to someone who I assume to have been a member of staff who had to go off sick but who is now raring to come back after Christmas. It would be interesting to research that end of it...”
Day Room, Hertford (back)
Postcard reads:
“I hope you are now quite convalescent and that we shall welcome you back next term like a giant refreshed! I was so glad to have your letter a week or so ago.
You will be able to picture all the end of term excitement in prospect. There are to be two performances of 'Eager-Heart' on Dec 12 &13, and the sale of work will be on Dec 16th.
The girls thoroughly enjoyed the Haileybury Concert. I am sorry that you are missing these treats. But you are having a grand holiday!
With best wishes to you for a very happy Xmas. from N. Craig”
Does anyone remember Miss Hilda Gibbs? Update! At the time of the postcard Hilda Gibbs was a pupil, in Ward 6, 1920–1926. So she must have been between 12–14 at the time the Headmistress sent her the card. She married and became Mrs. Morgan.