No ordinary place - Christopher Hibbert

Published 150 years after Radley's foundation, this text presents the history of the school from its early struggles to its present eminence. An account is included of the founder William Sewell and his intentions to turn the pupils into Christian gentlemen....by the tone and atmosphere in which they lived. Sewell ordered paintings, stained glass and antiques to furnish the school, but life was hard for the boys and there was sometimes little for them to eat. After 15 years, crises and debts nearly destroyed the school altogether.;This text describes how from this eccentric and unpromising start, and after a series of setbacks and misfortunes, Radley grew into a civilized and successful independant school.