Fancy stepping into a world where history echoes in every corridor? That’s Harrow School.
Harrow School is more than just an educational institution. It is one of England’s most prestigious independent schools for boys. Queen Elizabeth I granted Harrow its Royal Charter in 1572. Harrow is located on a leafy 324-acre estate. This encompasses much of Harrow on the Hill in north-west London.
Imagine a school with its own nine-hole golf course and working farm. Harrow is like a small village. A strong community spirit thrives among pupils, teachers, and staff. Over 800 Harrovians live here full-time during term time. They reside in one of 12 boarding houses. Each house accommodates about 70 boys. There are no dormitories at Harrow School. Boys share a room for their first year or two. After that, they have their own space.
Harrow School has produced many great alumni. They are known as the Giants of Old. Sir Robert Peel, Lord Palmerston, and Sir Winston Churchill are among them. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister, also attended Harrow. Writers like Lord Byron and Richard Sheridan studied here. Even Benedict Cumberbatch walked these halls.
Let’s explore some iconic buildings within Harrow School. Old Schools is the original school building. Here you’ll find the Fourth Form Room. It was Harrow School’s original classroom. Building began in 1608 and finished in 1615. Famous Old Harrovians carved their autographs into the room’s oak panels. Look for the names of Anthony Trollope, Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord Byron.
The Chapel is another iconic building at Harrow School. Sir George Gilbert Scott designed it. It was built in 1855. The Head Master wanted all boys to attend Anglican services. The Chapel is located next to the Vaughan Library.
Speech Room is Harrow School’s main assembly hall. It was built in 1877. The Speech Room seats over 800 boys. They gather each Monday morning for the Head Master’s meeting. Harrow songs fill the air here. Orchestral and choral events take place here. The School also performs an annual Shakespeare play.
The Alex Fitch Room stands majestic in the War Memorial building. The room’s contents are older than the building itself. The Fitch family donated this beautiful room. It honors their son Alex. He was an Old Harrovian who died in World War One. The fireplace dates back to Henry V’s reign. The floor consists of decking from H.M.S. Vincent. The furniture dates to the reign of James I. Alex Fitch’s portrait hangs above the 600-year-old fireplace. The light above it remains lit. It serves as a mark of respect for those who died in war.
The War Memorial building itself is significant. During the Great War, 647 Old Harrovians died. This deeply impacted the School. They built a memorial to honor those who died. Replicas of 19 Victoria Crosses are displayed. They’re in a cabinet at the entrance of the building. Portraits of Giants of Old line the grand staircases. The Old Harrovian Room hosts teacher gatherings. Society lectures and guest speakers also use this room. Portraits of former Head Masters adorn the walls.
Harrow School is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to history. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation. The school is inspiring future generations. The echoes of Giants of Old resonate through its halls.