On Saturday 14th May, Lady Moore, widow of The Right Honourable The Lord Moore of Wolvercote, presented College with Lord Moore’s heraldic banner. Up until now the banner has hung in Westminster Abbey but upon the death of a Knight, the banner, helm, mantling and crest are taken down. Lady Moore donated these items to Cheltenham College on Saturday and also dedicated a Chapel plaque to his memory. The banner now hangs in the College Library.

An Old Cheltonian, Lord Moore came to College in 1934 and enjoyed an exemplary school career. He was Head of College, Head of House, captained the 1stXV rugby team to an unbeaten season in 1939 and also captained cricket and hockey teams. He won a Classical Exhibition to Oxford University in 1940 and later in his career (1977-85) he was a much valued member of The College Council.

Before taking up his University place, Lord Moore volunteered in the RAF, serving as a Flight Lieutenant in Bomber Command until being shot down over France and kept as a prisoner of war for three years. He eventually escaped from Stalag Luft III, as part of the famous ‘wooden horse’ escape plan.

Whilst at Oxford he won blues for both hockey and cricket and went on to play rugby for England. Upon leaving, he served in a variety of Civil Service roles, including Deputy High Commissioner in Singapore and Companion of the Order of the Bath. In 1977 he became Private Secretary to the Queen and in 1980, he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. In 1985 he was appointed Knight Grand Cross. On his retirement, in 1986, he received a life peerage as Lord Moore of Wolvercote.

Up until his death on 7thApril 2009, Lord Moore’s heraldic devices were displayed in his allocated stall in the Choir of the Chapel in Westminster Abbey. Whilst his stall plates, displaying his name, arms and date of admission into the Order, will still be displayed in Westminster Abbey as part of the colourful record of the Order’s Knights throughout history, it is his widow’s wish that his banner will be donated to Cheltenham College.

Headmaster John Richardson commented: "We were delighted to receive Lord Wolvercote's heraldic banner and to dedicate a plaque in College Chapel to commemorate his life. Both the banner and plaque will be a permanent reminder of a very full and fruitful life given in the service of others."