Clive Staples Lewis
Lewis house is named after CS Lewis. C.S. Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963) was a prolific writer, poet and scholar of English Literature. His most famous work is ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, the second of his ‘Chronicles of Narnia’.
Lewis grew up in Belfast with his mother, father and brother, Warren. From a young age, C.S. held the values of relationships and family very dear. However, things changed for the family when his mother died in August 1908. Soon afterwards he was sent to a boarding school called Wynyard. When the school closed down he moved to Malvern College for Secondary School where he was inspired by a teacher called ‘Smudgy’ who taught him poetry.
Lewis came to university in 1916 during the First World War. Although as an Irishman he would not have had to serve in the army, he wanted to do his part. He signed up and was sent to the front. Lewis’ time as an army officer affected him profoundly, as it did most soldiers, but one friendship changed his life. Edward Moore was a fellow Irishman with whom Lewis served. The two young men had an agreement that if either of them did not come home, the other would support his family. Lewis was sent home with shrapnel wounds. Moore was killed and he left behind his mother Janie and sister Maureen. True to his word, Lewis lived with Mrs Moore until her death.
After four years of university study Lewis ended up with three first-class degrees from Oxford: Greek and Latin Literature, classical Philosophy and English Language and Literature.
Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.
During the Second World War, Lewis, wanting to do his part, joined the Home Guard. His home received several evacuees, who were an early inspiration for the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’.
C.S. Lewis died on the 22nd November 1963. He never wanted his death to be widely acknowledged, and he got his way. John F Kennedy, president of the USA, was assassinated on the same day.
House Colours and Logo
Our House colour is blue and all Lewis pupils wear a tie with a blue stripe. T house logo is shown below:
Traits
Lewis cared deeply about people. He was a firm friend, brother and son. C.S. was deeply devoted to helping others. He demonstrated courage, resilience and a sense of duty. Lewis volunteered to serve in the First World War on the front line when he didn’t have to! He was hardworking. C.S. Lewis did not come from a background that would have enabled him to study at university – he had to earn a scholarship and work his way into university and when he was there he worked hard to achieve his goals. He had a strong sense of charity and giving. He gave away much of his income to people in need. Lewis never got rich from his Christian books; he vowed to donate all the money he made from these books to others. He was humble; he did not seek fame or fortune and understood what was important to him in his life.
As members of Lewis House we are;
