Sir John Gay Alleyne || Founder of Alleyne School Barbados Est. 1785

THE ALLEYNE SCHOOL — Celebrating 236 Years as an Educational Institution 2021 | Congratulations to our Alma Mater!

Internet Image of Sir John Gay Alleyne [1724–1801] — Alleyne Sch. Founder

“To sow the early seed of virtue in the minds of youth. To improve the resent and to benefit future generations.” (These words are inscribed on a tablet in the Alleyne School Hall).

Founder of The Alleyne School Sir John Gay Alleyne, 1st Baronet was born on April 28th 1724. He was a Barbadian politician and the first of the Alleyne baronets which still exists today.

Alleyne descended from the first settlers to Barbados and was born in St James as the second son of John Alleyne and his wife Mary Terrill, daughter of William Terrill.

On 19 October 1746 at St James Church, Barbados, he married Cristen Dottin, fourth daughter of Anne Jordan Dottin and Joseph Dottin, with whom he had a son. After her death in 1782, Alleyne remarried his forty years younger cousin Jane, daughter of Abel Alleyne, on 29 June 1786. With her, he had five daughters and two more sons.

In 1757, Alleyne was elected for the Parish of St. Andrew to the Parliament of Barbados, a seat he held for the next forty years, with only a break in 1771. Already after a decade in the Parliament, he became Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados, serving until 1770 and after another two years was reappointed until 1779. Despite being a slave owner, Alleyne publicly voiced opinions unpopular to the planter class at that time, declaring in the House of Assembly that he disapproved of the system of slavery, “an unhappy sight which leaves an immense debt upon us to clear the obligation of human nature”. Alleyne was created a baronet, of Four Hills, in the Island of Barbados on 6 April 1769.

Sir John Gay Alleyne inherited two estates — Bawdens and The River. In 1770, Alleyne financially laid the groundwork for establishing “The Seminary”, a school for “the maintenance, support, and education of poor boys”. While originally intended for white boys, it received permission to also admit young boys of colour. It was eventually renamed The Alleyne School in 1785. He did so to benefit others and not himself, hence the motto — Aliis Non Sibi.

Alleyne’s wife died in 1800 and he survived her until the following year. Both older sons having predeceased him, he was succeeded in the baronetcy by his third son Reynold.

Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd., makers of the world’s oldest known rum and still in existence, was renamed from its earlier name of Mount Gilboa Plantation/Distillery. Upon Alleyne’s death, his close friend John Sober who had employed him as manager of the company, posthumously changed the name of the company in honour of him.

Branded Welcome Signage At Entrance of Alleyne School Campus [Barbados]

The first Headmaster, the Rev. R.C.Rock and his staff, and their successors, to this day, have ensured that the school’s motto became an integral part of the lives of all those who pass through those hallowed doors.

The Alleyne School is the first co-educational secondary school in Barbados and the vision of those who successfully pioneered this educational change must be applauded. They are Alumni Chapters in Toronto, New York and London and they have been making significant financial contributions to assist with school projects. The school orchestra, the sports department, the computer department and the library are among some areas of the school, which have been beneficiaries of their generous donations.

IMPORTANT DATES IN THE HISTORY OF THE ALLEYNE SCHOOL:

1724…Sir John Gay Alleyne was born.

1757….Sir John Gay Alleyne was elected to parliament for the parish of St. Andrew.

1769….John Gay Alleyne was created a Baronet of Great Britain by King George 111.

1785….The Seminary was founded for poor white boys of St. Andrew.

1785….Rev. R.V.Rock, vicar of St. Simons Church, became the first Headmaster of the Seminary.

1801….Sir John Gay Alleyne died.

1875….The Mitchinson Report recommends that the Seminary be upgraded to a Secondary School.

1881….Seminary was upgraded to a Secondary School, with the new name, “The Alleyne School”

1898….School role was 12 boys.

1921….Mr. Winston Sandiford was successful in the Junior Cambridge Certificate.

1939…Alfred Blackett became the first student from a Second Grade School to pass the Higher School Certificate.

1947….Girls were officially admitted to the school under the headship of Mr. Darnley Cole Cumberbatch.

1958….School roll was 120.

1961….A new technical wing was built with aid from the US Aid Programme.

1971….Kenneth G. Douglin became the first old boy of the school to be its headmaster.

1974….School orchestra was formed.

1976–1992…..Principal — Mr. Ashby Jordan

1981…. The first Founder’s Day Service in 1981 formed part of the Centennial Anniversary of our establishment as a Secondary School.

1984….A major school expansion was completed.

1992–2001….Principal — Mr. George Beckles

1998….School roll was over 700.

2001–2011….Principal — Mr Erwin Greaves

2011…Principal (ag) — Ms Cheryl Wade

2014…. to Present Principal — Ms. Julia Beckles (First appointed female Principal)

2017… Alumni President — Mr. Carseen Greenidge

2017….The school was granted 6th form status. A very proud moment for the Principal and staff as well as past and present students.

In Toronto there is an Annual Golf Tournament to raise funds for a Scholarship which is given to a graduating student to pursue post secondary education. We have Annual Reunions in either Toronto, Barbados, New York or London to bring awareness to the school and the students. The local Alumni also contributes significantly to Alleynians in need who may have medical challenges and offers an annual Scholarship to a graduate of the school who meets the criteria. Individuals also contribute to the school.

Alleynian Mr. Gilly Smith Presenting A Collection of Musical Instruments To Principal Ms. Julia Beckles [R] As Alumni Assoc. P.R.O Kathy Harper-Hall Looks On

Mr Gilly Smith recently donated 24 musical instruments to The Music Department. We encourage past Alleynians to give back to the school. You can also register with the Alumni. Maybe you can make a financial donation to a student in need or donate equipment to a department in the school. You can also consider giving of your time in some way to benefit the students….. ALIIS NON SIBI!

In September of 1982 I entered the Alleyne School and the experience was awesome. Whether it was the cross-country runs where we stopped along the way to have our fill of fruits, picking “fat porks”, cashews and grapes from The Bay or walking to Shorey Village on evenings to catch the bus, the memories are forever etched in my psyche. I am eternally grateful to this wonderful institution that helped to shape me into the person I am today. The teachers were fantastic as were the ancillary staff. Even the vendors contributed to our unique experience. Thanks to the many wonderful friends I met along the way. We are now known as The Alleyne School Family. May God continue to richly bless the Alleyne School, Principal Julia Beckles, the entire staff complement and students. May all those who are privileged to be schooled there, appreciate its rich history and continue to build on its legacy.

Happy Alleyne Week!

— Article Researched and Prepared By: #Alleynian — Hazeain Harding-King [Student From 1982 -1987]