Robert Aske made his will in 1689. It included, in trust to the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, provision that 'Twenty poore Boyes shall be ffreemens Sonnes.' Here is the story of how this modest institution grew to become a major public school with an outstanding reputation for academic and cultural achievement. The journey was by no means an easy one. This richly illustrated account, told with authority and wit, recounts corruption and conflict in many of the early years. But by the beginning of the 20th century the School began to grow and evolve very successfully, underpinned by the move to Elstree in 1961. The text, by an author with an intimate first-hand experience of the School, is both authoritative and a delight to read. The narrative is laced with anecdotes and reminiscences, interspersed with numerous archive and contemporary photographs and images, which tell the fascinating story of Habs. My English lessons in the Lower Sixth were one of the most important cultural influences on my life. David Lidington, MP Haberdashers' was a lovely school, liberal yet disciplined, free-thinking - but they inspired you. Doug Watkinson, TV scriptwriter for detective series including Poirot and Midsomer Murders