Charles Dolbé

Charles Vincent Dolbé B.A, M.A, LL.B, LL.D (7 October 1835 – 8 April 1902) was an English headmaster and Anglican cleric, best known for his transformative thirty-year tenure as Headmaster of Latymer's Charity School in Edmonton. He played a significant role in developing the school into a prominent middle-class institution and was actively involved in local educational and community affairs.

Charles Vincent Dolbé was born on 7 October 1835 in Dorchester Place, Mayfair, and baptised on 27 December 1835 at St George's, Hanover Square. His parents were Charles Henry Dolbé and Charlotte Dolbé (née King).^[1] His mother, Charlotte, died in 1839 when he was 4 years old.^[2] By 1841, Charles was living in St Mary, Newington, Surrey, with his younger siblings, father Charles, and stepmother Mary.^[3]

He matriculated at Clare College, Cambridge on 15 October 1863, which was unusually old for entry at the time. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1867 and a Master of Arts in 1871.^[4][5][6] Prior to his Cambridge studies, he had already served as headmaster of a school in the City of London, St Anne's, Aldersgate.^[6] During this period, Charles married Agnes Bingham on 8 February 1868 at Saint John the Evangelist, the couple never had children.^[7][8]

In 1870, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts ad eundem gradum and a Bachelor of Laws from Trinity College, Dublin. On 22 December 1877, the University of Dublin awarded him a Doctor of Laws degree.^[4][6]

Dolbé was ordained as a deacon in the Church of England by the bishop of London in 1866, and as a priest in 1867. He served as curate of St Thomas's, Charterhouse, from 1876 to 1887. He was also appointed chaplain of the Strand Industrial School in 1875.^[4]

On 27 September 1867, at the age of 32, Dolbé was appointed headmaster of Latymer's Charity School in Edmonton.^[4] He took charge of what was then a struggling institution and embarked on a period of significant reform and expansion. His appointment demonstrated the trustees' determination to create a middle-class school in Edmonton.^[6]

Under his leadership, the school, often referred to as "Dr. Dolbé's Middle Class School",^[9] saw a considerable increase in student numbers and academic standards. The school buildings were extended; in 1868, at a cost of £1,000, the old north wall of the Wyatt room was removed and an extension added. Two further rooms were added at the east end for the Upper School boys.^[10] By the end of his first year, student numbers reached 159 (Lower 139; Upper 20). By Christmas 1873, the total was over 200 (Lower 150; Upper 60).^[10] Further additions in 1874 brought the school's capacity to 270 boys with a staff of six.^[11] He resided at the Latymer School House in Church Street, Edmonton, during his tenure.^[12][13][14]

Dolbé introduced a broad curriculum that included Latin, French, History, Geography, Grammar, Writing, Arithmetic, Euclid, Drawing, and Scripture.^[11] The school achieved success in external examinations, including those of the Science and Art Department.^[15] He established the school motto Palmam qui meruit ferat (Let him who has earned the palm bear it) and the awarding of a gold medal to the top boy in each school, carrying the Latymer crest and the date 1624.^[16]

He took a keen interest in athletics and cricket, continuing as vice-president of Edmonton Cricket Club.^[17] The school's football teams became competitive under his patronage.^[18]

Dolbé faced challenges, including initial religious disputes with local Nonconformists, which he handled with a spirited defence of his position, asserting that it was "possible to be a minister of Christ without being a worse man, a worse citizen, or a worse schoolmaster."^[19] He was also involved in a notable lawsuit concerning the land for the Second Master's house, known as the Laurel Villas case, which the Latymer Trustees lost, incurring significant costs.^[20]

His school prospectus of 1889 showed a staff of seven full-time and one part-time master. He himself taught the top class. The Upper School curriculum included Euclid, algebra, French, German, and Latin, with an emphasis on preparation for Oxford Local and Civil Service entrance examinations.^[21] By 1890, the Upper School had 73 boys and the Lower School 190.^[22]

Alongside his headmastership, Dolbé held several chaplaincy positions. From 1875, he was Chaplain to the Strand Union Schools, a role he held until his death, and was highly regarded, actively participating in school events.^[4][23] From 1876 to 1887, he also served as Chaplain (Curate) to St Thomas's, Charterhouse, in Finsbury.^[4]

Dolbé was a prominent figure in adult education in Edmonton. He chaired the organising committee for the Gilchrist Extension Lectures held at Edmonton Town Hall, often reminding audiences of the contributions of the Adams family to local astronomy.^[24] He was also involved with the Edmonton School Board from its inception in 1880, serving as its chairman.^[25]

Dr Dolbé's philosophy of education emphasized hard work, character development, and the pursuit of worthy objectives. He believed in the importance of students striving for excellence and making the most of their abilities.

Hard worker's and those possessed of ability were sure to get to the top. It was a nice thing to receive a prize - but much better to earn one. What was Elucid's definition of a straight line? That which lies evenly between its points. Take that definition and apply it. Have in view as the extreme point some worthy object, something worth working for. Then, having once made your determination, make all things lie evenly towards it. Don't allow the littleness of life to turn you from your purpose.

— Rev. Dr. Charles Vincent Dolbé (1870)^[26]

He was known for his "excessive kindness" towards his pupils, who reportedly thought of him more as a parent than a master, yet he maintained strict discipline and was a "splendid, forceful teacher, yet careful and methodical."^[27]

Dolbé retired as Headmaster of Latymer School in 1897, at the age of 61.^[28] The Charity Commissioners sanctioned a pension of £120 per annum. He had felt the strain of his long public service and the increasing demands of the school.^[29]

He lived in retirement with his wife in Palmers Green until his death on 8 April 1902, aged 65.^[4] He was buried in Edmonton Cemetery.^[30]

Dolbé was universally respected as a man and as a headmaster. His passing was marked by a tribute in the form of an obituary, penned by a former student, which captured the deep respect he held in the community.^[31]

The past scholars of Latymer School heard with deep regret of the death of their late master. To the boys who had been directly under his care and who have received personal instruction from him, he was more than a schoolmaster in the general sense of the term. Dr Dolbé exercised a great influence over his pupils and by his death they will all feel they had lost a true friend who had won their affection not less than their respect. Dr Dolbé's good work in Edmonton is well known: his long and splendid service at the School, his work as a member of the early school boards, and his open-handed patronage of sports. The value of his patient labours at School can only be known to the boys themselves and by them it is known fully when they look back to their schooldays from maturer years.

As a man Dr Dolbé was universally respected. As head of the School he was truly admirable always keeping perfectly in harmony with the scholars, he never allowed discipline to relax though we cannot say he was unnecessarily severe. He had a keen sense of humour and his class was always allowed to hear a joke to the full - and the well-known words: 'Now boys' pronounced as only the Doctor could pronounce them seldom had to be repeated to gain attention. School hours in his room were enjoyed. Always punctual himself, he enforced the strictest rules of punctuality upon his pupils and severely punished any breach - as the writer can testify. On languages and mathematics Dr Dolbé laid particular stress. The high places secured by Latymer boys in Civil Service and Oxford Local and other examinations speak for the careful and capable manner in which his boys were trained. Old boys in all parts of the world will sorrow, and will recall with gratitude the inestimable benefit they received from so excellent and gifted a teacher.

— Tottenham and Edmonton Herald, 18 April 1902

The Latymer School continues to honour his memory. A large painting of him hangs outside the great hall of the school, and one of the school's houses is named ‘Dolbé’ in recognition of his contributions.^[32] Additionally, a memorial to Dolbé is located in All Saints' Church, Edmonton, the historic parish church closely associated with the school.^[33]

• Morris, Joseph Acton (1975). A History of The Latymer School at Edmonton.