This Enniskillen school was founded by Royal Charter in 1608, with the motto "Honour all men".

The school started life in Lisnaskea but moved to its present site overlooking the water in 1643. The present building was erected in 1777 although, of course, it has been greatly expanded since then. In 1798 there were five boarders and nineteen day boys. Today, at the time of writing, there are no longer any borders but over 470 day pupils.

Whose famous feet crossed these hallowed steps?

Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900) He was at the school from 1864 to 1871. It is possible Wilde drew his inspiration for his fairy tale "The Happy Prince" from the Cole monument which stands in the Fort Hill Pleasure Grounds.

Rev. Henry Francis Lyte (1793 - 1847) Wrote the hymn "Abide with me"

Lord Plunkett

Archbishop Magee of Dublin

Samuel Beckett (Playwright) (Born 1905) Won the Nobel Prize in 1969

Oh yes a 'modern' old boy is Neil Hannon , founder, composer and lead singer of "The Divine Comedy".

Another interesting old boy was Dr John White (Naval Surgeon), who, in 1787, sent King George III the first kangaroo ever to be seen in the UK.

This story obviously caught Brian Willis's imagination. He forwarded onto 'Your Place & mine' this amusing cartoon. (Editor)