Christopher Morcom Prize for Science
| Christopher Morcom Prize for Science | |
|---|---|
 Sherborne student, astronomer, and prankster Christopher Morcom, for whom the award is named. | |
| Awarded for | Excellence in science |
| Venue | Sherborne School, Dorset, England |
| Established | 1930 |
The Christopher Morcom Prize for Science, established in 1930, is a science prize at Sherborne School to "encourage the true pursuit of Science among Shirburnians".[1]
It was named in memory of Sherborne student athlete, astronomer, and prankster Christopher Morcom.
It was established in 1930 by his parents, the Colonel R.K. Morcom,[2] and sculptor and artist Frances Isobel Swan.
Morcom was a close childhood friend of computer scientist Alan Turing, who received the award twice.
Background
[edit]Morcom himself was a science award winner, and considered one of Sherborne's most promising students.[3] In 1929, he won the Digby Prize for Mathematics and Science.[2] He won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge at the age of 18.[3] However, in 1930, Morcom died of tuberculosis. The prize was established on the year he was meant to graduate.[2]
Design
[edit]The interior text was illustrated by Madeline Walker in the style of illuminated manuscripts.[1] It also contained an idealized portrait of a young Morcom by Norman Hirst.[2]
The prize and its contents is described in the 1933 Shirburnian as follows:[4]
The Christopher Morcom Prize for Science, in memory of the boy of that name, is provided each year from a Trust Fund. In addition to the sum awarded for books the winner is also presented with a facsimile of the illuminated" Christopher Morcom Prize" book. This states the object of the Prize and contains the names of the winners from year to year. A beautiful case of teak, in itself a fine example of devoted workmanship, made by a craftsman in the employ of the Morcom family, now stands in the Library. In a lower drawer it contains two dozen copies of the Prize Book for future winners; and on view in the glass case is another copy showing the beautiful illuminated work by Madeline Walker. A sliding panel shows on a steel plate a likeness of the boy himself, Scholar Elect of Trinity College, Cambridge, one of the most brilliant members of the School for some time past. [4]
Recipients
[edit]![[icon]](/translate/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding missing information. (August 2026) |
| Year | Recipient | Citation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Alan Mathison Turing | [2] | |
| 1931 | Alan Mathison Turing | [2] | |
| 193 | Unknown | ||
| 1934 | Derman Guy Christopherson | [5] | Christopherson would go on to become a science academic. |
| 1936 | P. H. Geake | [6] | Geake was the Head of School.[7] |
| 1940 | P. A. Turner | [8] | |
| 1957 | John Morcom | [9] | Nephew of the eponymous Christopher Morcom; twin brother of a younger Chris Morcom. Came to Sherborne in 1952. Both Morcoms also in Lyon House. Both Morcoms admitted to Trinity College, Cambridge. |
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Suffolk Artists - WALKER, Madelyn". suffolkartists.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-08-08.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hassall, Rachel (2016-09-14), Christopher Morcom memorial pew, Sherborne Archives, retrieved 2026-08-08
- 1 2 "School Prizes". The Old Shirburnian Society. 2021-11-03. Retrieved 2026-08-08.
- 1 2 The Shirburnian, November 1933, Page 177-178. Source; The Old Shiburnian Society.
- ↑ The Shirburnian July 1934, page 349
- ↑ 1936 July The Shiburnian Page 404
- ↑ "Sherborne and the Bledisloe Cup". The Old Shirburnian Society. 2017-09-08. Retrieved 2026-08-08.
- ↑ 1940 July Shirburnian page 409
- ↑ Michaelmas 1957 The Shirburnian, Page 117.