WHPS Houses

Mary Georgiana “Molly” Ruddell was a foundational pillar, teacher and the true heart and soul of WHPS. Alongside her husband, Ernest, and his twin brother, Fred, Molly poured energy, deep compassion and vibrant spirit into the bedrock of the school from the start.

Born in 1883 in Heavitree, Devon, England, Molly grew up as the youngest of eleven children in the village of St Erth, Cornwall, where her father served as the local vicar. Her immediate were also clergy, with historical Carters being cart makers. Her childhood was defined by music, community and joy. The family formed their own amateur orchestra to play at church services – humorously noting it was the most efficient way to clear out the congregation. 

Molly inherited a fierce, life-saving bravery that ran deep in her family. Two of her brothers were highly decorated First World War heroes.  This same courage and unwavering concern for others became the defining hallmark of Molly’s own long life.

Molly’s connection to South Africa began in the early 1900s when she arrived to visit her siblings. It was during a happy tenure of teaching at the original DSG in Skinner Street, Pretoria, that she first met the Ruddell twins.

When Molly returned to England in 1911, a deep, mutual understanding had formed between her and Ernest. The onset of the First World War separated them; the Ruddell brothers endured the horrors of the front line in France, while Molly worked in a London bank.

Following the war, Molly trained as a social worker, dedicating herself to London’s poorest slums. Her natural warmth was contagious, and she became affectionately known as a kind of “Pied Piper” among the neighbourhood children, who instinctively sensed her deep affection.

In 1924, a year after WHPS opened its doors, Ernest travelled back to England to marry Molly. Upon their return to Pretoria, she threw herself into the development of the young school with enthusiasm. She managed the complex domestic arrangements of the boarding house, looked after the boys’ health and taught Grades 1 and 2, Form 1 and French.

It was her bubbly, caring effervescent personality that enthused the boys in settle into the happy school environment. Though she could be just stern enough to keep order, her gentle nature always prevailed.

She was the sanctuary for any boy facing a minor tragedy. Generations of Old Boys fondly remember her patching up grazed knees, offering a sympathetic ear to any problem and baking a weekly batch of homemade cookies whenever the strict school budget allowed. A conversation with Molly always left a boy with an indefinable feeling of well-being.

After 23 years of tireless and faithful service, Molly and Ernest retired to Fish Hoek in 1946. In her 1970 memoir, she proudly reflected on the school’s open-classroom philosophy, firmly believing that its fresh-air design had given WHPS a world record for the best student health.

In 1974, she presented the school with a collection of historic heirlooms belonging to the twins’ father, General Ruddell.  These included his military sword and binoculars, a carriage clock and a 17th-century, solid, brass-bound strongbox used to safeguard valuables during the Crimean War.

Molly passed away peacefully on the 17th of November 1976, at the age of 93. A moving memorial service was held at the school’s Memorial Gate, where tribute was paid to her immense integrity. Her final act of generosity was a substantial financial legacy bequeathed to the school. For a time after her passing, a beautiful copy of the Raffael Madonna – a treasured wedding gift from General Ruddell – hung in the entrance to the school. Today, a house is named in her memory, ensuring that the warm-hearted, courageous and joyful spirit of Molly Ruddell continues to guide and inspire every WHPSian.