The Dame Allan’s 1705 Magazine
Elaine Fiddaman, former Head of Dame Allan’s Girls’ School and dedicated Chief Archivist, still safeguards the rich legacy of Dame Allan’s Schools. Here, she shares the responsibility of her work, the engaging projects led by the Archivist Club and the exciting efforts to digitise the archives. I have the privilege of being the guardian of our Schools’ collective memory
Dame Allan’s’ archives are a treasure trove of materials spanning centuries and I have had the great pleasure of retaining my role as Chief Archivist even after retiring from the Schools in July 2025. I have the privilege of being the guardian of our Schools’ collective memory. It’s a position of great responsibility but one that brings much satisfaction and pleasure. I’m entrusted with the care of our Schools’ history, from the earliest available admissions registers dating back to the 1870s, to the programmes from events as recent as last month. My role involves cataloguing these invaluable artefacts, ensuring their protection and making them accessible to anyone who wants to explore our heritage. This work is not merely about storing old documents, it’s about curating the essence of our Schools’ identity and ensuring that the voices of the past continue to inspire the future. The 2022 development of our Jubilee Building saw the creation of a new, dedicated archive room to preserve and celebrate the Schools’ then-318 year history. It’s home to an eclectic collection of memories and milestones, including photographs from bygone eras, items of old school uniform, sporting caps, letters from soldiers and their families during World War II, historic newspaper clippings, paintings and fascinating log books.
Our archives play an integral role in enriching the educational journey of our pupils. They provide pupils with a tangible connection to the past, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of Dame Allan’s’ heritage. This connection is especially evident during the Year 8 trip to Saint-Omer, in France. Before visiting historical sites like Tyne Cot and the Menin Gate, pupils are shown archival records of former pupils commemorated there. This powerful experience allows them to see the names on memorials and understand the personal stories behind them, deepening their engagement and reflection on history. Beyond the current student body, the archives are valuable to the wider school community, and photos, documents or artefacts are regularly displayed during events for visiting alumni. They’ve also played a role in community engagement, having helped when I gave a talk to the Women’s Institute on the history of Dame Allan’s Schools, and when collaborating with local historians.
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