Samuel Pepys' old school renames house that was named after him over sexism
The house will be renamed after a female philanthropist
A school attended by 17th century diarist Samuel Pepys has removed his name from one of its houses after research found he had behaved in an "abusive and exploitative" way towards women.
Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, will be renaming Pepys House after philanthropist Olivia Sparrow, who had ties to the local area and was committed to improving education.
The change follows a vote in January, which saw students vote for the house to be renamed.
Olivia Sparrow (1775-1863), invested in strengthening village schools, which supported teachers and widened access to learning.
Pepys House was one of five houses at the school, each named after historical figures with local connections.
Pepys is perhaps most famous for documenting the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London of 1666 in his diary.
The diarist had attended the then-Huntingdon Grammar School in the 1640s.
Hinchingbrooke School explained in an email to parents last year that research into Pepys's behaviour had revealed "actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women".
Andy Hunter, principal of the School, said: "Olivia Bernard Sparrow was a remarkable and influential figure in Huntingdonshire's history and the school community has enjoyed finding out more about her important work.
"Her belief in education as a force for opportunity and fairness, combined with her strong local ties, makes her an inspiring and relevant figurehead for our students today and we are very pleased to be naming one of our houses after her.
"They have approached the responsibility of choosing a new figurehead with maturity, curiosity and respect and it has been wonderful to see them debating ideas, weighing up the criteria and taking ownership of the final decision."