Henry Barkly (1815–1898), the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography says that "...the school's particular curriculum endowed him with a lifetime interest in science and statistics. The school taught the sons of Charles Babbage, the computing pioneer, and of many diplomats based in London, especially from the new nations of South America. One such was the son of José Rufino Echenique, a former President of Peru. In 1839 Rowland Hill was appointed as head of the General Post Office, where he introduce the world's first postage stamps. He left the school in the hands of his younger brother, Arthur Hill, who continued as head master until 1868, when he was succeeded by his son Birkbeck Hill. He retired in 1877, ending his family's long connection with the school. The Rev. William Almack succeeded him. During the School's time, Tottenham's character changed. The construction of the Northern and Eastern Railway in 1840 made commuting to central London possible, and in 1872 the Great Eastern Railway opened a line from Enfield to Liverpool Street, with a station at Bruce Grove. The Bruce Castle School was in some ways a victim of its own success. As its methods were adopted elsewhere, parents returned to traditional schools which had adapted themselves to a new age. The Rev. William Almack continued to run the school until 1891, when it was closed. The Municipal Borough of Tottenham bought the house and grounds, which were opened to the public as Bruce Castle Park in June 1892. The Park is still in use, and is adjacent to Broadwater Farm. A printing press designed by Rowland Hill and built by pupils of the school is on display at London's Science Museum. Head masters 1827–1839: Rowland Hill 1839–1868: Arthur Hill 1868–1877: Birkbeck Hill 1877–1891: Rev. William Almack Further reading Sketch of the System of Education, Moral and Intellectual, in practice at the Schools of Bruce Castle, Tottenham, and Hazelwood, near Birmingham (London: Baldwin and Co., 1833) Notable Old Brucastilians See also :Category:People educated at Bruce Castle School Sir Henry Barkly (1815–1898), politician and colonial governor Dion Boucicault (1820–1890), dramatist and actor Sir William Bird (1855–1950), solicitor and Conservative politician J. Comyns Carr (1849–1916), drama and art critic, author, poet, playwright and theatre manager. Sir Oscar Clayton (1816–1892), surgeon and courtier Edmund Creswell (1849–1931), played for the Royal Engineers in the 1872 FA Cup Final Frederic Creswell (1866–1948), mining engineer and South