Established in memory of Malcolm Robinson, Radley’s much-admired Head of History (1967 to 1974), the Malcolm Robinson Memorial Fund was created to honour his legacy and provide an immersive academic opportunity for aspiring historians. Each year, the scholarship awards between one and three 6.1 Radleians the opportunity to spend three weeks at the College of William & Mary in Virginia USA, where they engage in a transformative summer programme in Early American History.
Jamie Crole (2004, H) was the first Radleian to be awarded the scholarship and to embark on this experience at William and Mary. Jamie went on to study History at the University of Oxford, and has since forged a successful career in international investment and credit research, with roles in both London and Singapore. 16 years on, Jamie looks back on his time at William & Mary and the lasting impact it had on him.
“I remember clearly my arrival in Virginia in 2009, jet-lagged and slightly overwhelmed by the humidity of the east coast summer to undertake William & Mary’s ”Pre-Collegiate Summer Programme in Early American History and Democracy”. The programme was a challenging and exhausting mix – of trips to historical sites – active and engaging class discussions – academic reading – and daily essays. Early mornings consisted of trips to fascinating parts of Tidewater Virginia and beyond – from Jamestown, where the first English settlers landed in 1607; to Werewocomoco, birthplace of Pocahontas; to Mount Vernon, home of George Washington; and to Yorktown, where the British campaign in the revolutionary war ended. The site visits and the material culture they represented were crucial. But much of the real work happened when we returned to Williamsburg, for an afternoon of intense discussion and an evening of reading and writing. The work was tough and was my first real exposure to proper academic history writing. Our daily essays required pulling material from a wide range of primary and secondary sources and was hugely significant for my academic development from a “school” historian to a university one.
I also reflect on the broader benefits of the time we spent at William and Mary. These were at least as memorable as the various classes, trips and essays. It was – hopefully without stating the obvious – a very American experience. We all made strong friendships with fellow students from across the breadth of the United States. For an 18-year-old from an English boarding school, such immersion with a group of people from the other side of the world was novel and rewarding. We were also ambassadors – for Radley, and the English. This cut both ways. I vividly remember a reenactment of the battle of Yorktown, involving lengths of plastic pipe in the place of muskets. At the end of which myself – the only non-American there – was made to present the British surrender. In revenge, some might say – on another occasion, I called on my Scottish roots and successfully taught a group how to reel. Such was the enthusiasm of all involved that if you ever find yourself at a reeling party in Phoenix Arizona, or Woodland Hills California, then you’ll know who to blame …
Finally, as I was fortunate enough to be able to do so in 2017 when I spoke at a lunch in honour of the award and its supporters, I am grateful to again have the opportunity to extend thanks on behalf of the award recipients to the donors and Foundation for making the award possible. I know from my father who was one of Malcolm’s pupils the significance he had for those he taught. The remarkable thing about the fund is the focus of its aims, its close connection back to the personal history behind it, and the connection shared by many of the donors who were taught by Malcolm. I to benefited from exceptional history teaching from a later generation of Radley history teachers. As Radleians, we are bound by a common setting and experiences, not least the guidance from such inspirational teachers, and I am glad that future Radleians will continue to benefit from an award that reminds us of this.”
– Jamie Crole (2004, H)
Simon Eccles-Williams (1966, E) shares his memories of being taught by Malcolm Robinson and how the Fund was created to honour his legacy.
“Malcolm Robinson came to Radley in 1967 as Head of History. In his 7 years at Radley, he effected a minor revolution through his very demanding work regime; as Dennis Silk put it: ‘Malcolm taught Radley about hard work.’ During this period, a majority of his pupils gained places at Oxford and Cambridge, including 27 who won scholarships and exhibitions. With his infectious enthusiasm for History, he was a very exciting teacher. On learning that Malcolm was seriously ill in 2008, a number of us set up a fund to honour his extraordinary contribution to our lives and Radley more widely. Malcolm felt that his time as a student at William & Mary had transformed his life and wanted future Radleians to have a similar opportunity. He would have been delighted but not surprised by Jamie Crole’s reaction to his experience at William & Mary.”
Simon Eccles-Williams (1966, E), Foundation Trustee 2011-2020
