Photos: Family | Portrait |           Anecdotes Anne Mosey |

Having now spoken to both Anne and Tom Mosey I am getting a better picture of the man behind the Headmaster. For many of us at one time or another JHM did seem a very hard man, yet for others he certainly showed both loving and good-hearted sides. Indeed you only have to read the anecdote of Djamshid "Jimmy" Younessi recently posted to the site. So depending on your point of view he appeared in various persona or role. There has often been speculation as to the background of JHM. I am pleased to be able to set the record straight on this and other aspects of his life.

Firstly JHM's Background: His family came to England from the Ukraine, old Russia in 1680. His Grand Father was indeed a sea captain as were many generations of the family. He was born 15th November 1904 in Scarborough, Yorkshire. His mother died before he was 5 years old and his relationship with his father was not a good one.

JHM wrote a novel, "Fly That Sips Treacle…" which was published by Harrap in 1937. On the fly leaf we are informed, "The author, who was educated at Scarborough and Leeds University, is now a master at a Yorkshire public school." The book, a hardback, retailed at 7/6 (7 Shillings and 6 Pence) a considerable amount of money in 1937. Though out of print, I found a rare book seller offering a first edition for £39. Today's decimal money bares little relevance given the inflation of nearly 70 years.

You will recall that at Kingsholme, a day border by the name of Rosemary Harding became Head Girl. From his letters to me I think JHM had a soft spot for her and that she in turn saw him in high regard. After many years his marriage to Kate, his first wife, ended childless and he married Rosemary and they had 2 children together. Anne was born in 1963 and Tom 2 years later.

Even discounting the income from the school, the family enjoyed life to a high standard from JHM's share dealings and lived in various parts of the world. After King's School they moved to Wotton-Under-Edge (which had previously been JHM's weekend home) then finally to Castle of Comfort, Dodington, Holford in Somerset. Interesting to note that here as in the other residences, he had a swimming pool built.

Castle of Comfort was an old smuggler's haunt and had a chequered history going back hundreds of years. At least one murder occurred there and the place held enough interest for the Paranormal Research Organisation to do an investigation there on 20 February 2005. Follow this link for further information if you are interested.

They moved to live in Switzerland for a while, before on Doctor's advice, JHM moved the family out to Cyprus because it was thought the climate would be better for his health. In his eagerness to move out there JHM chartered a plane and had most of the seats taken out so that he could move the furniture and family in one go. Then moving to and living in Cairo, Egypt for about a year before coming back to England.

Finally returning to the Castle of Comfort, where he died on 23rd February 1979. Having suffered from Angina for many years he finally succumbed to a heart attack.

After JHM died Rosemary married again, but alas was widowed once more earlier this year, 2006.