Wellington School touched by Lord Archer's affection for schooldays even 70 years later

A MOVING tribute has been issued by Wellington School to the late Lord Jeffrey Archer, who died on Monday (October 5), aged 86.

The best-selling author and former politician, described as ‘a proud Old Wellingtonian’, maintained a connection with his alma mater for more than 70 years.

Lord Archer revisited the school just three days before his death and spoke with affection about his school days and the opportunities his scholarship had given him.

He arrived at Wellington as a boarder on a scholarship in 1951 and threw himself into school life.

A talented athlete and cross-country runner, he represented Somerset in athletics, competed as a gymnast, and played the big drum in the school CCF Corps of Drums, a Wellington tradition which continues to thrive today.

School head Dr Alex Battison said: “What struck me about Jeffrey was the energy and determination he brought to everything he did.

“More than 70 years after he first arrived here, he remained enormously proud of his connection with Wellington and genuinely interested in the school and the young people here today.

“To have welcomed him back only days ago, and to hear him speak so warmly about the next generation of Wellington pupils, is something we will remember for a very long time.

“He was a generous benefactor, returned regularly, attended Old Wellingtonian reunions and maintained friendships with former classmates over many decades.

“His school days even found their way into his writing, with the names and memories of Wellington appearing throughout his work.

“When he returned to open our new study centre and library in 2018, and again during his visit just days ago, his affection for the school was obvious.

“Jeffrey’s life took him a very long way from the schoolboy who arrived here from Weston-super-Mare, but he never lost his connection with Wellington School.”