 [Oxford
Mail] FORMER OXFORD
HEADMASTERDeath of Mr. John Irving,
of SS. Mary and John Admired and respected by the thousands of boys
who have passed through his hands, the death took
place yesterday at hits home, 36, Southfield-road,
Oxford, of Mr. John Irving, headmaster of SS. Mary
and John School from 1893-1932. He was headmaster when the school opened over 40
years ago, and during his long tenure of office he
saw many changes in the number of children
attending the school and in time methods of
education. 
His cheery personality and sympathetic
understanding of the young mind did much to promote
the happy spirit of co-operation between staff and
pupils which still permeates the atmosphere of the
school, and old boys, now resident in many parts of
the country, have many pleasant memories of their
days under his headmastership.
LOSS
TO THE PARISHMr. Irving was an enthusiastic member of the
National Union of Teachers and was closely
identified with the Church and other activities of
the parish. He was ever ready to give what
assistance he could in any direction, and by his
death the parish loses a staunch friend. A Cumberland man, Mr. Irving came of a
well-known Maryport family, and came to Oxford to
take up his headmastership straight from St. Bede's
College, Durham. The school was opened in St.
Alban's Church, Charles-street, with only 23
pupils, but in January, 1896, the present buildings
were opened, which now accommodate 1,191 children,
of whom 386 are boys, 360 girls and 445
infants. SON
AN OXFORD DONWhen Mr. Irving retired in August, 1932, he was
presented with a gold watch from the managers,
teachers and children. His hobbies were walking and study of
languages. He leaves a widow and two sons. Both sons
started their senior school life at their father's
school. One
son is an Oxford don, while the other,
Commander
J. J. Irving, who was formerly in the Navy,
will he remembered for the part he played in the
Antarctic Expedition.
Other
obituary-
photos
| 
write to David
Irving