| 1853 - Born second son of Joseph William Wilson and (1829-1898 ) He married Julia Mary Lawrence (1857-1909), daughter of Dr Lawrence of Melbourne, and sister of his brother Ernest's wife Educated Merchant Taylor's School St John's College Oxford-Scholar 1872 - Second Class Classical Honour Mods 1875 - FirstClass Lit. Hum M.A.,B.D. Fellow of Queen's 1876-81 1877 - Lecturer Queen's and Tutor St John's 1878 - Classical Tutor Diocesan College, Rondebosch, Cape Colony 1878 - Headmaster, St Mark's Grammar School, George, 1878-80 1879 - Classical examiner Cape University 1880 - Headmaster Carlisle Grammar School 1880-85 1968 - Cecil Claude Wilson born (11.7.1885 - 9.5.1968) 1885 - Headmaster Church of England Grammar School, Melbourne 1885-93 1895 - Headmaster of Lancing College 1895-1901 1902 - Rector of T ackley Oxford 1902-12 1912 - Vicar of Parish Church Oldham, Lancs 1912-26 1918 - Rural Dean of Oldham 1918-26 Member of Council of Melbourne University; Director of Royal Humane Society of Australasia; Vice -President Amateur Athletic Association, Victoria. |
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Rev. Ambrose John Wilson 13.1.1853.-26.8.1929 |
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| From 'Lancing College-History and memoirs' by Basil Handford Of Rev. Ambrose I. Wilson- It may be stated at once, without offence, that he was a square peg in around hole. The position itself was impossible, as Dr Wilson now found for himself, and he with his very unusual scholastic experience was scarcely the man to establish as a first-class school one which for its falling numbers, if for no other reason, was in imminent danger of leaving the ranks of the public schools altogether .The period of his reign was an extremely unsatisfactory epoch in the history of the school (though not so unsatisfactory as it is sometimes represented); he received no support but, on the other hand, only opposition from the Provost and Chapter in the initial difficulties; he was not happy with his relations with the masters and boys (though he made some good appointments): and the school gradually declined in standing and numbers. Because of these things a great deal of criticism has been directed, very naturally, against the Head Master .But in fairness it must be admitted that much of the criticism must justifiably be redirected to the Provost, the Chaplaincy and above all, the system. Naturally the Head Master is held responsible for the position of the School, but in this case, as has already been pointed out, the Head Master was powerless to alter the root cause of the trouble, however many subsidiary causes may have clustered around it. Dr Wilson lost no opportunity in pointing out the trouble and in starting subsidiary reforms, some of which have been lasting. Be it remembered that Bernard Tower refused to accept the Headmastership under the conditions which bound Dr Wilson; and though it must be frankly admitted that the school during these years was not a success, yet it must be added that no Head Master, however tactful, however dignified, however loved, respected, forceful or compelling could have been a success at this time. Dr Wilson's greatest mistake was in undertaking what proved to be impossible. Susan Green |
| Publications: Emphasis in the Book of Common Prayer. Emphasis in the Greek Testament. Textual Revision of Prayer Book. A Confirmation Book for Catechists and Godparents. The Sign of the Prophet Jonah and its Modern Confirmations. What Charles Darwin Really Found. Highways and Hedges, Streets and Lanes. |
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