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Old Alleynians

In honour of the founder, Edward Alleyn, former pupils of Dulwich College are known as ‘Old Alleynians’ (OAs). Amongst the Old Alleynians are many celebrated figures including explorers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton and writers such as PG Wodehouse and Raymond Chandler. The College has also produced Bishops, Archbishops, leading scientists, actors, film directors, entertainers, politicians, a Governor of the Bank of England and eminent members of the judiciary.

The College’s War Memorial names the 837 boys and masters who gave their lives in the two world wars of the twentieth century. Among those who served, Old Alleynians earned seven Victoria Crosses.

Today, Old Alleynians continue to make a significant contribution across a wide range of professions. Chiwetel Ejiofor OBE (90-95), for example, has been described as ‘the finest Othello of his generation’; Professor David Reynolds (61-70) attracted huge audiences both for his TV programmes and for his epic History of America series on BBC Radio 4; Nick Easter (91-96) and Andrew Sheridan (90-98) are both regular players in the English rugby XV and Lionel Barber (66-73) has been editor of the Financial Times since 2005.

Information about The Alleyn Club, founded in 1873 to co-ordinate the ever-expanding Old Alleynian network and still open to all old boys, is available on the Old Alleynian section of the website.

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