Bolton School has connections with royal family

A series of special assembles took place at Bolton School - one of the country's most prestigious - exploring the link between Lord Leverhulme, the benefactor who re-endowed the school in 1915 and whose birthday falls on September 19.

At this time of year, one aspect of Lord Leverhulme's life  is remembered. But this week, 'The Lever family and Royalty' were explored 

Philip Britton, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, delivered the assemblies in which he discussed the Queen’s life of duty and service, her longevity and the continuity that offered the nation. He compared this to the Leverhulme family’s commitment to the school.

Lord Leverhulme met with Kings Edward and George – his soap empire and supply chains made him a successful businessman and philanthropist.

The head informed both assemblies that the Bolton born Lord served as high sheriff of Lancashire and was to go on to become the first Viscount Leverhulme.

He also reflected on his time as an MP for the Wirral from 1906-09 and his early campaigning for the introduction of old age pensions and equality for women. 

Young people learnt how over the years the connections between the Bolton family and the royal family strengthened as the title of Viscount was passed down the generations 

Connections with royalty were further deepened by the third Viscount, who inherited the title in the late 1940s. He took on the role of estate manager at Sandringham following reading for a modern foreign languages degree at Cambridge.

of the third Viscount Leverhulme showing the Queen around the Lady Lever Art Gallery at Port Sunlight in 1957 (Image: Bolton School)

He would have met the Queen on several occasions and there is a photo of him showing her around the Lady Lever Art Gallery in 1957.

The third Viscount was also chair of Governors at Bolton School and he financed the Leverhulme Pavilion, which is now 40 years old.

The Viscount shared a passion for horse racing with the Queen and named three of his horses after Bolton School – Boys’ Division, Girls’ Division and Bolton School.

He had three daughters but no male offspring so, upon his death, the titled was suspended.

His second daughter was an extra lady in waiting to the Princess Royal, and his third daughter, Jane Heber-Percy, whose husband was Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, would have met the Queen on several occasions.

Flag at half-mast at Bolton School (Image: Bolton School)

Mr Britton recalled Mrs Heber-Percy visiting the school to dedicate the new flagpole from which the Union Jack is currently flying at half-mast. 

The assemblies were concluded by an excerpt from a prayer in praise of the new monarch and agreed by all major religions before leading both assemblies with the first singing of ‘God Save the King’ in the respective schools since 1952.