School that dropped Pepys name chooses replacement

A secondary school that dropped Samuel Pepys as the name for one of its pastoral houses because of his treatment of women has named his replacement.

The former Pepys House at Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon will be named after the "inspiring and relevant" philanthropist, Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow.

Pupils and staff at the large state comprehensive voted to drop former pupil Pepys's name over claims the 17th Century diarist's behaviour included "actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women".

Hinchingbrooke has five houses named after historical figures connected to its history, including Cromwell House.

The school said it was named after the "historic family" of Cromwell, rather than an individual.

Lady Olivia was voted Pepys's replacement by 42% of the school's 1,900 pupils and staff members, putting her ahead of Mary, Queen of Scots (30%) and former head teacher John Wakelin (18%). There were 18 spoiled papers, the school said.

Lady Olivia (1755-1863) was a rich landowner, having inherited Brampton Park manor house and gardens in the early 19th Century. She used her wealth and influence to found and run several schools in Huntingdonshire, as well as to support local politicians and evangelical Christian causes.

• BBC Bitesize: Who was Samuel Pepys?
• BBC Sounds: Diary of Samuel Pepys

She was said to be a friend of the slavery abolitionists Hannah More and William Wilberforce and brokered the marriage between Arthur Wellesley and Kitty Pakenham, the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.

Her 250th anniversary was marked in Brampton last year.

Andy Hunter, school principal, said: "Olivia Bernard Sparrow was a remarkable and influential figure in Huntingdonshire's history and the school community has enjoyed finding out more about her important work.

"Her belief in education as a force for opportunity and fairness, combined with her strong local ties, makes her an inspiring and relevant figurehead for our students today and we are very pleased to be naming one of our houses after her."

Pepys, best known for his 1660s diaries and famed for his accounts of events such as the Great Fire of London and the Great Plague, was the subject of a book by historian Guy de la Bedoyere, called The Confessions of Samuel Pepys, which noted aspects of his private life including his treatment of his wife, servants and mistresses.

The school has previously said there were no plans to rename its Pepys Building or Pepys Stairs.

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