Family roots

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Having been told my great grandfather set up a uni out in Uganda and got an OBE for his work out here i thought i should, and indeed wanted, to go and check it out. Unsure however whether i'd turn up at the place and been cordoned off as some loony ranting about a distant relative i hopped on a bus and headed to Mukono.

I wandered round the Uni and eventually found Bishop Tucker College - the place my great grandfather played a part in setting up - with a plaque outside saying that it was built in the memory of Bishop Tucker by his friends (of which Edward Seabrooke Daniell was one - but it didn't say that!). (Bishop Tucker being the bishop of the area in the early 20century). In 1913 ESD became the first warden of the college and arranged for a plot of land to be given to the college and organised for the building of the college. At the time it was a College of Divinity and Theology and he remained warden until 1927.

ESD's painting (considerably larger than all the other wardens') hangs in the Principals Hall of the Bishop Tucker faculty. Interestingly his plaque is spelt with 1 L but i am pretty sure this hasn't been added in two generations just that it was an error in the naming as Ugandans would only know Daniel with a single L, and besides it is written with 2 Ls in the top right hand corner of the painting. There is even an engraving on the chapel balcony in memory of his wife (presumably my great granny!).

I met and was welcomed very warmly by the Director of Planning and the Vice Chancellor of the University who were keen to meet a great granddaughter of one of the pioneers and to find out more about the history. Despite being the least history orientated person around I was so inspired by my visit and am now keen to find out more as it actually means something to me now.

The College has now expanded and legally received University status in 1997 and is now Uganda's Christian University with over 7000 students and a wide range of subjects. The College is now one of many faculties at the university and will celebrate its centenary in just a couple of years time.

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Comments

[Katy]

That is so awesome and I love that you got a photo with his portrait and that your great grand father has a painted portrait! Your parents must be so proud!