Haileybury

Also known as “East India College”, Haileybury , in Hertfordshire, provided education for potential civil servants of the East India Company from its opening in February 1806 to January 1858. Pupils were young men between 15-20 years of age who had been nominated by EIC Directors to become Writers.

The first premises were at Hertford Castle but a purpose built site was later acquired and the College moved there in 1809. The architect was William Wilkins who later designed the National Gallery in London.

Prior to the opening of Haileybury , Lord Wellesley, had established a college in Calcutta . However, it was subsequently considered to be more favourable to give prospective writers a European education and also ensure they had all the necessary skills to prepare them for life in India. For example, in addition to subjects such as classics, philosophy and mathematics, the pupils were taught Oriental languages.

In 1853 the Government of India Act replaced the system of patronage with open examination. This meant that not all writers appointed to India would go through Haileybury and, in fact, the last pupils were admitted in 1856. Later , after the Indian Mutiny the British Government took over the administration of India from the EIC and the college closed in January 1858. .

It subsequently opened as a private school

External Links

College Website (Haileybury.com) Includes lists of pupils who died in various conflicts in India and recipients of East India Company VCS

Memorials of Old Haileybury College archive.org

The John Company’s College: Haileybury and the British Government’s attempt to Control the Indian Civil Service A dissertation by Robert Lynn McCartor 1981