1839

Several boarding schools are listed in Bushey in Pigot's Directory for Hertfordshire, but none can easily be linked to Bourne Hall. Thomas Maynard was listed at Grove House School, Bushey (Boarding)

1841

A list of well owners in Bushey includes Thomas Maynard, Sion House Academy, Bushey.

Morning Advertiser, 30 January, 1941

1841 census

Thomas Maynard is listed as schoolmaster at Grove House, Bushey, together with an assistant, Thomas Bock, 18 pupils, three domestic servants and 5 other members of the Maynard family

1843

Henry Lewis Biggs married Frances Amelia Braden in London

1843

Herts Mercury, 18 November, 1843

1844

Henry Braden Biggs born in Bushey

1844

Herts Mercury,13 July, 1844

1844

Herts Mercury, 21 December, 1844

1846

While the 1846 Hertfordshire Directory does not record Henry Biggs or the school this edition is less comprehensive than later editions and the omission is not significant.

1847

Herts Mercury, 20 March, 1847

1850

Herts Mercury, 12 January, 1850

1851

Trade directory list Henry Lewis Biggs, academy, Bourne Hall

1851 census

1852

Herts Mercury. 10 July, 1852

1855

Directory: Henry Lewis Biggs, Bourne Hall Academy

1861 census

1866

Directory: Henry Lewis Biggs, classical, commercial & mathematical boarding school, Bourne Hall academy

A long article on  a winter entertainment in the Watford Observer of 15 December 1866 included the following prize list

1867

Watford Observer 12 October 1867

1870

1871 census

1877

Watford Observer, 13 May, 1871

Bourne Hall Winter Evenings’ Entertainment

 Tenth Series.

The following programme was successfully gone through on Thursday evening in last week:

Part I.: Sacred song, "Fierce raged the tempest,” Bourne Hall choir; reading, "Sermon on malt,” Mr. H. B. Biggs; reading, “The death  of Andries,” Master A. G. Sirkett; song, “Come! come! come!” Bourne Hall choir; dialogue, “Canute and his courtiers,” Messrs. A. and F. Harris and H. Hillier; recitation, “ Loss of the Birkenhead,” Master H. Price.

Part II.: Recitation, "The old man in the wood,” Master H. Hillier; song, “The bell ringer,” Mr. Porter; recitation, "The Chinese pig,” Master T. C. Holford; song, “He learned to use his hands,” Bourne Hall choir; reading, “George Stephenson in the witness box,” Mr. H. B. Biggs.

The following (Friday) evening's entertainment consisted of “An Evening with the Microscope.” After a short lecture this instrument by Mr. H. B. Biggs, some very interesting objects were shown through one Mr. Baker’s powerful microscopes.

Herts Advertiser, 22 March 1879

1881 census

1881

Herts Advertiser August 27th, 1881 [Very badly scanned page on BNA]

1882

Directory:  Henry Lewis Biggs, school, Bourne Hall Academy

NOTE: At the annual school prize giving (which lists many pupils, etc) Mr H. B. Biggs was involved, suggesting that his father H L Biggs had already stepped down. The bankruptcy hearing in 1889 suggests the transfer of the school from father to son took place in 1882.

Watford Observer  22 September-1882

Herts Advertiser 14 April 1883

1883

The Times Apr 30 - Deaths: On the 25h inst. at Bourne Hall, Bushey, Herts, Frances Ameila Biggs, wife of Henry Lewis Biggs, aged 60

1884

BUSHEY

BOURNE HALL UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

On Monday morning the prize distribution in connection with this school took place. Around the large schoolroom were numerous sepia studies, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. W. Long, of Bushey. The boys were assembled in the centre of the room, the sides being occupied by their parents and friends of the school. At several places were to be seen choice flowers. The chair was occupied by the Rev. H. Burchell-Herne, M.A., and amongst those also on the platform were Dr. Morris, Mr. H. L. Biggs, and Mr. H. B. Biggs (principal).

Previous to the distribution, the following programme was gone through: Sir J. Bowring's hymn, "God is love"; duet, "True love" (J. Besch), A. Parkinson and H. P. Ross; recitations. "Excelsior" (Longfellow), H. Wilson, "Ivry" (Lord Macaulay), J Dinmore; German Volks melodie, "The rose bud" (Goethe) ; recitations, "The Inchcape bell" (Southey), L. Baxter; "The eve of Waterloo" (Byron), W. H. Smith, "Henry V. to his soldiers before Agiucourt" (Shakespeare), A. C. Parkinson, "Vat you please" (Planchr), H. P. Ross patriotic song, "Prayer for peace," Russian air.

The recitations wore rendered with exceedingly good taste, the punctuation being almost perfect, and the memory of the lads much above the average. The singing was also very good, and Master A. G. Parkinson ably presided at the piano. Each piece given was loudly applauded, and Mr. Biggs deserved the greatest praise for the efficient training of the boys under his care.

A new feature in school prize distributions was the following address, clearly delivered by Master Parkinson:- "Rev. sir, ladies and gentlemen, "On behalf of my schoolfellows, and as captain of the school, we thought, with your kind permission, we might, before you proceed to the distribution of prizes and certificates, recapitulate a few of the chief events of the term. As regards our work, the upper division has been following the curriculum as laid down by the University local examinations, and the lower division that of the College of Preceptors. We have had some interesting monthly lectures -- the subjects respectively were "Gloucestershire and its surroundings," "Les belles lettres," or "English literature general" and music. Owing to the brilliant weather of June and the early part of July, we were able to play four matches. The Bourne Hall C.C. won two and lost two. the match with an eleven of Mr. Herkomer's art students being particularly interesting and close, we losing by two runs only. This brief summary would not be complete if we did mention that our principal has had very recently, greatly to our comfort, the Colne Valley Water Company's continuous supply put on to these premises; and last, not least, we. with our principal, are pleased to hear from time to time the good position several of the old boys' are taking in various parts of England, the Continent, and the colonies. Amongst those who have distinguished themselves very recently we may mention the names of P. Gostling, of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, F. Dickinson, organist at the English Church, St. Petersburg; W. Rich, who has this year a picture in the Royal Academy ; and H. Garne, who is now in the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

Mr. Biggs, the principal, next addressed the assemblage, and said that the elder boys of the school well remembered their respected chairman some 20 years ago, when he indulged with them in a game of cricket, and it was a great pleasure to the lads present to see him in their midst. (applause). He (Mr. Biggs) was happy to say that during the post year the general conduct of the school had been fair and satisfactory. Of course, they did not expect to be perfect. They had not one single case of illness in the school, for which they had to thank Almighty God.

As regarded the work, although no boy during the past year had presented himself at the Oxford or Cambridge examinations, or College of Preceptors, yet they did have a class consisting of six or seven boys ready and fully competent to go. There were. however, certain reasons why the class did not present itself, although he (Mr. Biggs) felt confident the boys would render an excellent account of themselves. Within the past few years four Queen's prizes, ten special prizes, 200 general first-class certificates, one or two local prizes from the Watford centre of the Oxford local examination, and other degrees, had come to the school. Mr. Biggs, sen., and two the ladies present had very kindly sent them handsome rewards for the next distribution. He (Mr. Biggs) took that opportunity of thanking Mr. Long, the father one of the boys attending the school, for so kindly lending the sepia studies around the walls, (applause).

The Chairman, in addressing the boys, said he came there that day with great deal of pleasure. He knew that he should see many happy faces, and that anticipation had been verified. The programme which had been rendered that morning was excellent, and he might say that the recitations .in every sense were very good. During the past 40 years, many boys had passed out of the school; they had conducted themselves well, and been a credit to the school and those connected with them. The school was in most satisfactory state, and he heartily congratulated the boys who had been successful in winning prizes and certificates. The conduct of the boys had been good, and they were now about to receive the reward of their industry. Not only had the elder boys distinguished themselves in London and the provinces, but also in India, China, and the New World - he might almost say the world through. Those boys were leading active and honourable callings, and he trusted the boys present would follow in their footsteps (applause). Some of the boys there would not receive prizes that day, but his advice to them was to on and persevere. They should not be downhearted, but put forth greater energy in the future. In conclusion, the rev. gentleman expressed a hope to be associated on many other interesting occasions, and they were fond of cricket, he looked forward to the time to wield the bat with them (loud applause).

The prizes were then distributed as follows:- 1st Divisionâ?Honoratius prize, ; first in Scripture, book-keeping, mathematics, and English generally, A. C. Parkinson; Latin, French, and English prize, H. P. Ross; honourably mentioned ditto, C. Stone; drawing (water colour and landscape), C. S. Stone ; honourably mentioned for architectural drawing, A. C. Parkinson; English history and bookkeeping, W. H. Smith; English composition and arithmetic, A. H. Chapman; music and singing, (Herr Braun's prize), A. C. Parkinson; general improvement and conduct prize, G. Green; certificate for French and book-keeping, P. Wilson. 2nd Division Scripture and good conduct prizes. H. Baxter and W. A. Long; drawing and mapping, H. Wilson ; French, F. Stone: certificate for composition and dictation, W. A. Doery; certificate for music, singing, and drilling, J. R. Strieter; certificate for arithmetic and penmanship, H. Robinson.

After the distribution, the rev. gentleman strongly advised the boys not to travel from the discipline which they had been trained at school. It was very easy for them to form bad companions, but he strongly urged upon them to keep up the good reputation of their school. By choosing good companions, they would be a credit to themselves, to their school, and their parents, who had so well cared for them (applause).

Mr. Biggs, sen., and Dr. Morris also addressed the lads, and the proceedings closed with several rounds of cheering for those who had taken an active part in the work of the school.

Herts Advertiser 26th July, 1884

1886

Directory: Henry Braden Biggs, school, Bourne Hall Academy

1887

The Herts Advertiser of 30 July 1887 had a long report of the Bourne Hall Prizegiving, as was normal - but I coukld find no such report for 1888.

1888

 Mr. John Biggs. private pupil of  Mr. H. B. Biggs. Bourne Hall, has just passed an examination (City London College centre), whereby he will be enabled to enter the chief office of the London and County Bank. This young gentleman, a few years since, also passed the Royal College of Preceptors’ Examinations in the usual English arithmetic, algebra, French and book-keeping.

Watford Observer14 January 1888

1888

Watford Observer 6 May, 1888

1888

LOCAL SUCCESS - The following pupils from Bourne Hall School have passed in the recent freehand examination, second grade (Watford Centre):- Frank Bodimeade, Giacamo Bona and Robert William Bodimeade.

Watford Observer 25 August 1888

1889

Watford Observer 11 May, 1889

1889

BANKRUPTCY

The first meeting of creditors under the bankruptcy of H. B. Biggs, of Eaton Rise, Ealing, in the county cf Middlesex, no occupation, is appointed for the 16th October, 12 o'clock, for the purpose of receiving a report from the official receiver upon the position of the estate. The debtor as been adjudged bankrupt, and an order for summary administration made by the Court.

The summary of statement of affairs shows that the gross liabilities are £1,009 3s. 4d. The assets are slated as follows:- Cash in hand, £4 10s. Property per list—Three shares General Finance Co, £15, estimated to produce ! 10s.; £10 debenture in River Steamboat Co, £8. estimated to product £4; 30 15s. Preference Shares. £22 10s., 30 10s ordinary shares, and 30 Wynaad District Gold Mining Co, estimated to to produce nothing; watch and chain, £7 15., estimated to produce £8 10s. Estimated to produce total of £13 10s Deficiency explained in statement, £995 13s. 4d.

The Official Receiver's observations say — The bankrupt states that he commenced business in 1882 as proprietor of a school at Bourne Hall. Bushey. of which he acquired the goodwill, lease, fixtures, furniture. &c., from his father for the sum of £400. He also states that he had further capital to amount of £800. He states he has kept no books other than a ledger which contains very imperfect entries of the fees charged to various pupils. He states that a number of small cash accounts which he kept up to four or five years ago have been destroyed.

He states that he did not become aware that he was insolvent till March, 1889. his liabilities in January this year not being much over £600,. several of his larger losses taking place between January and March. At the last mentioned date the whole of the furniture and school utensil's were deposed of. Furniture valued at £100 being taken over by his mother-in-law in part payment of an account of £300 owing to her, the remainder being sold by auction and realising about £80, which the bankrupt states he applied in paying creditors. He held the premises Bourne Hall on a lease from which by arrangement with the lessors, he has been released.

He states not since March last had any occupation or source of maintenance, and that he resides with his mother-in-law at the address given in the receiving order, part of the furniture at such address being that taken over by her in March last above reported. He has no proposition to make to his creditors, and has been adjudicated Bankrupt.

His deficiency account is explained by him as follows :— ... ... ...

 Watford Observer 12 October 1889

1890

Directory: Rev H. Smithson Milner. Bourne Hall

1891 census

Henry Lewis Biggs has retired to Wiltshire

Henry Braden Biggs is just a Tutor - staying in the house of his mother-in-law