Royal Grammar School, Newcastle - The School Song

The School Song

The RGS had a school song, with the following lyrics.

The individuals named in the school song are of historical interest.

Horsley, a merchant venturer bold, Of good Northumbrian strain,

Founded our rule and built our school, In bluff King Harry's reign,

Long shall his name old time defy, Like the castle grim that stands,

Four-square to ev'ry wind that blows, In our stormy northern lands.

Chorus:

Fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit triumphans

Fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit triumphans

Many a name on the scroll of fame, Is the heritage of our land,

Collingwood and Armstrong, Eldon and Bourne, Akenside, Stowell and Brand,

Strong in their wisdom, wise in their strength, Wielders of sword and of pen,

Far went they forth from the school of the north, That mother and maker of men.

(Chorus)

God speed the school on the shores of the Tyne, That has stood for centuries four,

Bright may the star of her glory shine, Bright as in days of yore,

Pray too that we may worthy be, To tread where our fathers trod,

Bravely to fight for truth and right, For Motherland, King and God.

(Chorus)

Fortiter defendit triumphans is the Latin motto of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne and means triumphing by a brave defence.

The RGS school song was abolished by James Miller's predecessor as headmaster, Mr. A. Cox, and it is no longer sung.