Envision a sanctuary. Bromley and Sheppard’s Colleges stand as a testament to compassion. These colleges offer refuge to retired clergy and their families.
Bromley College’s story began in 1666. John Warner the Bishop of Rochester willed his estate to house twenty poor widows. These were widows of orthodox and loyal clergymen. He understood homelessness. Warner had experienced it himself during the Commonwealth. He wanted to provide for those who had lost so much.
Finding a suitable site near Rochester proved difficult. Parliament intervened passing the Bishop of Rochester’s Charities Act in 1670. This act allowed the college to be built anywhere within the diocese. Bromley was chosen.
Built between 1670 and 1672 the original Bromley College centered around a quadrangle. It became known as the Wren Quad. For years it was believed that Sir Christopher Wren designed it. Now we know that Captain Richard Ryder one of Wren’s surveyors was responsible. The design included twenty houses a chapel and residences for the chaplain and treasurer.
Each house was designed with a basement kitchen a ground floor living room and a large bedroom. Attics provided storage. Over time the attics were converted into better living spaces for maids.
Later a second quadrangle the New Quad was added in the 18th century. Donations from Maria Bettenson and William Pearce made this possible. The chapel was rebuilt to accommodate more residents.
Sheppard’s College joined Bromley College in 1840. Mrs Sheppard the sister of Magdalen College’s President founded it. It offered homes for daughters who lived with their mothers at Bromley College. These daughters would be homeless after their mothers passed away. Sheppard’s College is a terrace of five houses in Tudor Gothic style.
Bromley and Sheppard’s Colleges Charity continues its mission today. It houses retired clergy their spouses and widowers. Divorced or separated spouses and unmarried children of deceased residents can also find a home here. Priority is given to those who served in the Diocese of Rochester.
The charity is overseen by a board of trustees. They include the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishops of London and Rochester. The Dean of St Paul’s the Archdeacon of Bromley and Bexley and the Chancellor of the Diocese of Rochester are also included.
In the earlier part of the twentieth century, there were plans to relocate the colleges. However the people of Bromley protested. The decision was made to upgrade the existing buildings. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother attended the reopening ceremony in 1977.
Today Bromley College is Grade I listed. Sheppard’s College is Grade II listed. In 2004 an appeal raised money for maintenance and upgrades. Prince Edward dedicated the completed work in 2006.
Bromley and Sheppard’s Colleges stand as a symbol of enduring care. They offer not just housing but also a community for those who have dedicated their lives to service. Their history is a reminder of the importance of compassion and the lasting impact of a single act of kindness.