David Walsh, past teacher of History at Tonbridge, has contributed an essay focusing on the Tonbridge Mission to St Pancras for the book 'Bright the Vision - Public School Missions from the Victorian Age.'

Please see a review of Bright the Vision: Public school missions from the Victorian age by Malcolm Tozer from Church Times here.

The book, recently published by Sunnyrest Books, tells the story of Victorian-era public school missions of charitable giving, and their ongoing legacies today. 'Bright the Vision', consisting of 22 essays by various authors, focuses on school across England, including Tonbridge School, Uppingham, Marlborough, Winchester and Cheltenham Ladies' College. The book's essays explore in depth the conception, execution and legacy of these charitable missions.

The essay on Tonbridge School has been written by David Walsh, who taught history at Tonbridge for 37 years, retiring as Second Master in 2009. Walsh has previously authored three books, titled 'A Duty to Serve: Tonbridge School and the 1939-45 War' (Third Millenium, 2011), 'Public Schools and the Great War: The Generation Lost', co-written by Sir Anthony Seldon (Pen & Sword, 2013), and 'Public Schools and the Second World War', also co-authored with Sir Anthony Seldon (Pen & Sword, 2020). The Tonbridge School essay leans upon the work of Keith Osborne (JH1935-40), whose contributions to Tonbridge's St. Pancras Mission (later Club) were innumerable.

HRH The Priness Royal, the Rt Revd Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and Dr Lucinda Matthew-Jones have also contributed essays to the book, which is sure to be a fascinating exploration into the beginnings of philanthropic missions by British public schools.

Attached to this article will be a Bright The Vision Order Form for the book, along with further information (an order direct from the publisher is preferred).