Gothic Revival and Egypt in England
Two recently published books on architectural themes feature some of the School's more interesting and unusual buildings.
Canterbury and the Gothic Revival is by Lawrence and Marjorie Lyle, notable local historians and ex-King’s parents. Of particular interest is a chapter on 'The Recovery of St Augustine's' about the building of the Missionary College, now Broughton and Tradescant houses and the School Library. Another chapter is on 'The Consequences of St Augustine's College'. Several OKS feature in the book, notably Bishop Broughton for his work in Australia. The many illustrations include one of Broughton's tomb in Canterbury Cathedral, designed by another OKS Harry George Austin.
Egypt in England by Chris Elliott is published by English Heritage. It is a fully illustrated guide to architecture in the Egyptian style. As well as historical background, especially on the 19th century fashion for the exotic, there are descriptions of all the significant examples, from Cleopatra's Needle, via cemeteries to cinemas.
The Old Synogogue in King Street features. There is an account of its building, and a detailed description of its decorative elements: "sometimes clearly Egyptian... but elsewhere Egyptian by association". As a synagogue in the Egyptian stye, it is said to be "unique in Britain and one of only a few anywhere in the world".