Triumphans lyrics, printed in The Story of Our School, by JB Brodie & AR Laws (1936 edn.)
The School Song
Many current RGS students may be surprised to learn that the school has a traditional song. It hasn’t been sung formally during the school day since the 1990s, but for generations of Old Novocastrians, Triumphans remains a beloved anthem. Each year, they still raise their voices in a rousing rendition at the annual ONA Dinner.
Find out more about our rich musical history below.
Triumphans made its public debut in 1913, composed by Frederick William Smallwood (staff 1907-1926), who served as the school’s Music Master, with lyrics penned by John B Brodie, Senior English Master from 1898 to 1928. Brodie, a passionate historian of the school, co-authored The Story of The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1924), chronicling the school’s rich heritage.
The song was first published with a dedication to Headmaster John Talbot (staff 1912-1922), and later editions included a tribute to Lady Lambert, the wife of Sir Arthur Lambert, a Governor and Old Novo.
Triumphans, sheet music, composed by FW Smallwood (1913). RGS Archives
Traditionally, Triumphans was sung at Speech Days and Prize-Giving ceremonies, celebrating the history of the school, honouring notable Old Novos, and reflecting our Newcastle roots. Its stirring chorus, "Fortiter Defendit Triumphans"—"Triumphing by Brave Defence"—echoes the city’s motto, inspired by Newcastle’s courageous stand during the English Civil War in 1644 against the Scottish Army.
However, by the 1970s and 1980s, the song’s place in school life was beginning to be questioned. In 1990, Headmaster Alister Cox (staff 1972–1994) made the controversial decision to cease its formal use within the school. This change sparked debate and objections from many in the Old Novo community, but Triumphans remains a part of our school’s legacy.
Photograph of the Newcastle coat of arms, star-shaped stained glass window, 2025. ©RGS Newcastle
Engraving of the Newcastle coat of arms and motto, from a map of Newcastle published in Henry Bourne, ‘The History of Newcastle upon Tyne’ (1736). Ref No: C13/22, RGS Archives.
An adapted version of the school song was written specially for the 2025 quincentenary. English teacher Mrs Stadward re-wrote the lyrics with support from RGS Diversity; and the music was reinvigorated by alumni Elliott Park.
It was first performed at the Quincentenary Concert on 19th March 2025, at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.
Watch a clip of the adapted Triumphans, performed at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Triumphans (2025)
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.
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 Taylor, Akenside, Stowell and Brand,
Strong in their wisdom, wise in their strength, so many hear their call,
Far went they forth from the school of the north, that mother and maker of all.
Fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit triumphans
Fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit triumphans
God speed the school on the shores of the Tyne, that has stood for centuries five,
Bright may the star of her glory shine, to endure and to thrive,
Pray too that we may worthy be, to tread where our forebears trod,
Bravely to speak for truth and right, for scholarship, King and God.
Fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit triumphans
Fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit, fortiter defendit triumphans