I HAVE been doing some research into the foundation of Monkton House School, Cardiff, now part of Kings Monkton School of which I am Head. The founder of Monkton House was a Henry Shewbrooks who, according to the 1881 Census, was born in Taunton. We know very little about Mr Shewbrooks, except that he was about 24 and a graduate of London University when he set up the school in 1870. At that time he was living with his widowed mother, Ann. By 1881 he was married to Lucy who came from Frome.

I am hoping that some of your readers might have information about the Shewbrooks family and, indeed, about Henry himself. My school is 137 years old next year and I feel that we ought to know more about our founder.

I can be contacted on 029 2048 2854 or by email atmail@kingsmonkton.org.uk.

ROGER GRIFFIN (Principal) Kings Monkton School, Cardiff