News of the recent death of Hugh Synge (King’s School 1946-51) reminds us of the long association his family has had with King’s.

His father, Edward Synge, was one of six brothers who attended King’s between 1910 and 1927. In one year - 1917 to 18 - all six were at the School at the same time.

They were, and no doubt still are a remarkable family. The brothers were the sons of the Rev. Francis Synge, vicar of various parishes, including Pitcombe (from 1914 to 1924). They all entered the Junior School in Plox House when they were nine or ten years old, and most stayed at King’s until they were eighteen. Three became Head Boy, several were Scholars, and most were accomplished sportsmen. After leaving school, five went on to university at either Oxford or Cambridge, and three joined the Church.

Edward (KS 1910-19), the first born, was awarded, in 1919, the first Paul Hobhouse Scholarship, the same year he became Head Boy. He went on to Keble College, Oxford, then took Holy Orders and worked for many years in India.

John (KS 1910- 20) was equally successful, and he had the distinction of becoming the Captain of the first King’s School rugby XV in 1919, as well as Head Boy. He won a place at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he was an Exhibitioner, and subsequently he followed a career in teaching.

Then there were the twins:
Francis (KS 1912-21), a Scholar and School Prefect, followed John to Selwyn College, where he was awarded the Stewart of Rannoch Prize for Hebrew and gained a 1^st Class in the Theology Tripos. He then took Holy Orders and moved to South Africa and subsequently New Zealand, finishing as a Canon.
and
George (KS 1912-18) was another Scholar. He left before the Sixth Form, going on to Shrewsbury School and then Keble College, following in Edward’s footsteps.

After a successful time at King’s, Peter (KS 1914-22) spent most of his working life in the Army and in Government Service in Africa. His two sons - Patrick (KS 1949-54) and Anthony (KS 1949-58) - also came to King’s.

Finally, there was Michael, another talented sportsman who played in the rugby XV and hockey XI, and who was Head of School in his final year. He went up to King’s College, Cambridge as a Choral Scholar, and afterwards he took Holy Orders. He was Chaplain on the RNVR Mediterranean Russian Convoys in the 2WW, and later Canon and then Precentor of Lincoln. He re-founded the Lincoln Cathedral Choir School in 1961.

After the First World War, rugby replaced football as a major sport at King’s. Here is the 1^st XV, with John Synge (seated, centre) as Captain.