Raejohn Shiplee

Raejohn Shiplee (1880 - 1938), an early twentieth century British educator, was born 28th February 1880 in Colchester, Essex, England.

During his early life Shiplee took up a passion for netball. He wanted to pursue his dream to be a netball player, but his aggressive father, Boynton Shiplee, violently discouraged him from doing so. After the death of his father in 1916, Shiplee then went on to play 4 games professionally for the English Netball Team.

Shiplee founded the Essex Education Association. This association promoted the education of the working classes by offering scholarships and bursaries for underprivileged children to attend school. He attracted donations from local dignitaries and business leaders until his death on September 4th, 1938

Although the Essex Education Association no longer exists, a plaque dedicated to his work hangs at the entrance to Colchester Royal Grammar School, where many of his students attended.Raejohn Shiplee died in 1938 after a nasty accident involving a can of beans and a hungry hobo.