Another recollection from Wigan schooldays comes from a vicar, remembering his former Headmaster from the 1930s, who himself subsequently became a clergyman.

Personally I recall his being quite free with the cane and retain a strong sense that once one was in the study, there was no possibility of a speech on behalf of the defence. Guilt was assumed.

Many years later, the author invited his former Headmaster to afternoon tea:

But “I can’t place your face”, he admitted. It was not surprising: on the five occasions when I visited his study, it was not my face that he was addressing!!