La Martiniere College, Lucknow commands respect among the academic institutions of India. Today it celebrates its 150th anniversary and walks down memory lane to pay tribute to its remarkable founder: Major General Claude Martin. Adventurer; soldier; political advisor; self taught architect; manufacture of arms, ammunition & coins; surveyor; entrepreneur; banker; botanist & patron of arts, Martin was a large-hearted millionaire who bequeathed his fortune to charities and dedicated a major part of his estates to the founding of schools at Lucknow, Calcutta & Lyon (France).
"Constantia", the imposing eighteenth century edifice which is the heart of La Martiniere, was his country house. His bequest of "Constantia" for academic pursuit was followed by years of litigation till an order of the Supreme Court in 1841 laid down a scheme for the establishment of La Martiniere College, Lucknow. On 1st October, 1845 the College began its work, starting with 70 boys. Today it has over 1700 boys on its rolls. The Founder's munificence has provided many boys, called Foundationers, with tuition, board & lodging & clothing at nominal fees. They share equal facilities with full paying boarders and day scholars. It has classes from Nursery to Intermediate where boys are educated through the medium of English. Admission to La Martiniere is eagerly sought.
1857 saw La Martiniere evacuated to the Residency. The boys and masters defended "The Martiniere Post" for almost five months against repeated onslaughts, while continuing their studies. It was a unique phenomenon which earned colours for the institution in 1938 bearing the legend ‘Defence of Lucknow 1857’.
The College has come a long way since then and, true to its tradition, it has produced worthy soldiers, sailors and airmen in India, before and after Independence. It has also produced engineers, doctors, educationists, administrators and sportsmen of note scattered over the globe. Its alumni look back on the Alma Mater with affection and pride.
"Lahore et Constantia" is the motto the College adopted from Claude Martin's personal motto placed on his coat of arms. The column or ‘Lat’ in front of "Constantia" is a memorial to him. Claude Martin left behind him a name, a legacy, a dream: La Martiniere College, Lucknow.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India