It was a typical April day - sun, showers, hail - in Londonderry where some of the past pupils of the Lovedale School in Nigili Hills in the South of India gathered to commemorate the school's founder by unveiling a blue plaque on the building where he had received his early education. They were members of the Old Lawrencian Association, a worldwide group of old boys, and old girls, that are dedicated to a common fellowship.

The group was welcomed by the Acting Provost of the Magee Campus of the University of Ulster, Professor Deirdre Heenan. In her address she mentioned that this was the second blue plaque erected on the College, the first being for Martha Magee, its benefactor. The plaques were a visual reminder of people who were important to the College and the wider community and could stimulate enquiry from people observing them about who they were and why they were being honoured. Sean Nolan, Ulster History Circle, thanked the Old Lawrencians for suggesting the plaque and for its sponsorship; also the University for allowing the plaque to be erected, and for the provision of refreshments for the event. Professor Tom Frazer spoke at length about the Lawrence family's association with the College and their public service in India; in particular Sir Henry and his younger brother John Muir, who went on to become Viceroy of India and was buried in Westminister Abbey. Derek Gaw spoke of the work of Sir henry and Lady Honoria and their struggles to have the schools funded and established. Finally Xan Chako, "a 21st Century Lawrencian" and the youngest Old Lawrencian present, unveiled the plaque

Some photos of the event are shown below.