A remarkable piece of history has recently been returned to St Bees School,
bringing to light the story of an old boy who made the ultimate sacrifice during
World War I. The book, titled Poetry of Byron, was discovered by a gentleman
while visiting his parents in Carmarthenshire and has now been returned to its
rightful place at St Bees School.
The book’s journey home began when the gentleman discovered it in his
parents’ collection. Upon closer inspection, he noticed an inscription at the front
of the book bearing the name Leonard Ewbank, along with the location ‘School
House. St Bees’ and the date 25/9/11. This simple inscription sparked a journey
of discovery into the life of Leonard Ewbank, who was born on 16 February 1893
and attended St Bees School from 1902 to 1911 before continuing his education
at Queen’s College, Oxford.
The book was formally returned to the school in September, where Mr. Andrew
Keep, the Headmaster of St Bees, met the gentleman who facilitated its return.
Mr. Keep expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s incredible to think that a piece of
St Bees’ history has found its way back to us after all these years. Leonard
Ewbank’s story is an inspiration to our current students, and we are honoured to
have this memento of his time here back in our possession.”
Leonard Ewbank’s story is one of bravery and dedication. Despite having poor
eyesight, he was commissioned into the 15th Border Regiment in 1915.
Tragically, his life was cut short on 23 February 1916 when he was killed by a
bullet to the head. Leonard is buried at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground in
Ypres.
Leonard’s legacy endures at St Bees School, where he is commemorated on the
Roll of Honour as “an Englishman, brave, honest and loyal.” He was also
remembered in the St Bees School magazine as “a Cumbrian of the very best
type – straight, clean-living, loyal, with a reserve of power and latent force of
character which surprised even those who knew him best. And oh, while his
friends loved and trusted him, they said, ‘so the best is yet to be.'”
The return of this book, inscribed over a century ago, serves as a poignant
reminder of the enduring connections between St Bees School, its alumni, and
their families. Leonard Ewbank’s story is now not only preserved in words but
also in the physical form of this treasured volume that has come full circle back
to its origins.