Taylorian 2020

2 T he Taylorian is our magazine of record. It is where we gather and store information about the school’s performance, across all aspects of its activity, for the previous year. As such it is a vital storehouse of fact, memory and achievement. It prompts reminiscence and anecdote amongst those who took part in these events; it allows old boys and future generations an insight into what has taken place. In this year, the Taylorian takes on a new resonance and purpose. As we have lived through the extraordinary coronavirus epidemic, we are conscious that we are writing a new chapter in the history of the school. I believe this to be the sixth epidemic to have struck Merchant Taylors’ School since its foundation in 1561. The previous five were outbreaks of the plague. St Barnabas’ Day has not been cancelled in living memory; it has been centuries since the school has been forced to shut its doors to students. I am very proud to record for those yet to come, who wish to read of our time, that in this year of challenge Merchant Taylors’ School rose to the occasion and embodied the values that define us. My speech for St Barnabas’ Day will never be spoken. However, it can be read in these pages. It celebrates a school community that overcame the challenge of lockdown and continued our academic, pastoral and extracurricular provision in a newly created virtual school. I also believe it records our finest year to date. It is a testament to the excellence of the staff and pupils of this great school. Mr S J Everson Introduction Introduction from the Head Master