3-065-964 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Fettes College, Edinburgh, 1874. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. Annan. 'The building is an imposing and highly decorated specimen of French Gothic architecture. It was designed by Mr. David Bryce. The institution and endowment are due to the beneficence of Sir William Fettes, a distinguished merchant of Edinburgh, who was twice elected Lord Provost of the city, and was created a Baronet in 1804. His only son having died early, he bequeathed the whole of his property, amounting to about £166,000, "to form an endowment for the maintenance and education of the sons of parents who have died without leaving sufficient funds for that purpose, or who from innocent misfortune during their lives are unable to give suitable education to their children"...The course of education is intended to qualify boys for proceeding to the Universities and for professional life...An attempt has been made to render the relation of the house-master to his pupils a purely moral and intellectual one...The present number of the boys at the college is about 170. There are several scholarships and other rewards for those who proceed to the University of Edinburgh...Within the college grounds are a spacious cricket-ground, gymnasium, sanatorium, and skating-pond'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.