A new exhibition about a poem written by a Gloucester-born writer has opened.
The exhibition, at St Mary de Crypt in Southgate Street in the city centre, tells the story of the poem ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley and how it has had a major impact across the world.
The poem was written in 1875, so this year marks its 150th anniversary. The exhibition has been put together by history students from The Crypt School, which Henley attended and which was founded at St Mary de Crypt, in conjunction with the Friends of St Mary de Crypt.
Most famously, Invictus was read daily by Nelson Mandela while he was in captivity but it has also been quoted from at different times by major figures including Winston Churchill and Barack Obama. It was also the inspiration for Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for injured service personnel and for the 2009 film about South Africa winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Paul James, Chair of the Friends of St Mary de Crypt, said, “We are very grateful to the students and staff at The Crypt School for putting this exhibition together. It is remarkable just how much influence Invictus has had on events around the world and we should be proud that its roots are here in Gloucester.”
James Higgs, Head of History and Politics at The Crypt School, said: “Our students have relished the opportunity to research, collaborate & present their ideas on William Henley and his poetry. They have enjoyed seeing the myriad of ways it has influenced figures way beyond Gloucestershire, and throughout the world. Henley’s themes of resilience and inner strength are all incredibly relevant to our students today.
The exhibition is free to view and St Mary de Crypt is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-3pm (except the morning of Wednesday 19th November when it will be closed due to a theatrical production). The exhibition will run until the end of the year.
INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley 1849 – 1903 Born on Eastgate Street, Gloucester, Crypt School alumnus, William Ernest Henley, went on to become a celebrated poet, writer and literary critic. He was moved to write the 1875 poem, ‘Invictus’, whilst recovering from surgery to save his remaining leg, having lost one when he was 16 to complications arising from tuberculosis. Evoking the indefatigable spirit, self discipline and fortitude in adversity, Invictus has inspired many and was quoted at different times by leaders including Sir Winston Churchill and Barack Obama. Whilst incarcerated at Robben Island prison, Nelson Mandela recited the poem to other prisoners and was empowered by its message of self-mastery. He was forever linked to ‘Invictus’ when his early presidency of South Africa and the 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph were immortalised by the 2009 film of the same name.
