Situated on the second floor of Devitt House, the custom-designed suite was created by transforming two former Harbinger cabins into a modern, welcoming space dedicated to preserving and sharing the College’s unique history.  

Lionel Stephens (1926–2021), affectionately known by generations of cadets and pupils as “Basil” or “Steve,” remains one of the most defining figures in the history of Pangbourne College.  Joining the academic staff in 1954, Stephens dedicated over half a century of active service and a lifetime of devotion to the institution, its students, and its alumni network. 

Often described as Pangbourne's own Mr. Chips, Lionel Stephens represented the backbone of the school's community ethos. Whether mentoring young cadets on duty, coaching on the River Thames, or archiving decades of school heritage, his clarity, kindness, and steadfast loyalty left an indelible mark on thousands of Old Pangbournians.

The opening ceremony brought together a distinguished group of guests with deep ties to Pangbourne’s past. Among those attending were the daughters of former Headmasters Peter Points and Anthony Hudson, alongside Dee Wright, a veteran of the Falklands conflict and contributor to the archive collection. Special guests of honour included Lionel Stephens’ son, Nick Stephens, and his wife, Anni.

The Head, Oli Knight welcomes guests(L - R) Iona Sadler, Nicky Beard, Anni Stephens, Nick Stephens, Joanna Richards, Perena Shyrane & Dee Wright.

The event commenced in the Lewis Room, where visitors had the opportunity to view a curated selection of notable items from the collection. Guests then proceeded upstairs to Devitt House for the official opening.

Nick Stephens had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new archive rooms. In his address, he shared that his father would have been thrilled to see that the excellent work he began to care for and preserve the College’s past is continuing with such care and passion.

As part of the new archive facility the Harry Sykes Room provides a wonderful exhibition space as well as a space to host archive visitors and share with our current students the rich heritage of their environment.  

Hailing originally from Bradford, Harry Sykes belonged to that legendary generation of British schoolmasters whose character was forged in the fire of the First World War. He served with distinction, earning the Military Cross (MC) for conspicuous gallantry on the battlefield.

When he arrived at the young Nautical College, Pangbourne, he brought a perfect blend of northern grit and battlefield-tested authority.  For a school established to train future officers for the Merchant Navy, Sykes was the ideal archetype of an instructor: disciplined yet deeply human. However, he was not merely a teacher who left when the school bell rang. He integrated himself entirely into the fabric of the college's culture. By 1938, as the first generations of 1917 cadets were scattering across the globe it was Sykes who aggressively worked to keep the community tethered together. In the pages of the school's magazine, The Log, he frequently lobbied to track down missing alumni, ensuring that the bonds built on the campus grounds were never severed.

The upgraded archive suite represents a major step forward in the preservation of the College’s historical assets. The new facilities provide a safe environment to properly care for delicate documents, photographs, and artifacts. Equally importantly, the space improves accessibility for members of the  Pangbournian Community, researchers, and visitors exploring their family connections to the school.

Pangbourne  takes immense pride in its history and traditions. We would like to thank all our guests for joining us for this very special occasion.  With these dedicated archive rooms now open, the College looks forward to showcasing its fascinating past and helping future generations connect with the remarkable individuals who have passed through its doors.