William Johnson Cory in Hampstead

8 Pilgrim's Lane, Hampstead, London.

'WILLIAM JOHNSON CORY

IONICUS

1823–1892

TEACHER, SCHOLAR AND POET. LIVED

AND DIED IN THIS HOUSE. AN ASSISTANT

MASTER AT ETON COLLEGE 1845–1872.

HE COMPOSED THE WORDS FOR THE

ETON BOATING SONG.'

Cory was born Johnson, but changed his name after being forced to resign from Eton following a complaint made by the parents of one of his pupils about an 'indiscreet' letter Cory had written to the boy.

  

I've no idea what this ship's figurehead is doing here, but if anyone does know I'd be very pleased if they'd let me know via a comment or in an email.

 

ADDENDUM: Read the comment from Maggie below for a link to the solution to the mystery.