Did you know that the Old Palace of John Whitgift School stands on land that once hosted Archbishops of Canterbury? The Old Palace of John Whitgift School isn’t just a school. It’s a living testament to history. For five hundred years it served as their summer residence. Imagine the grand feasts the Archbishops held within these very walls. Imagine the political intrigue the halls have witnessed.
The Old Palace of John Whitgift School’s history stretches back far beyond its founding in 1889. The building itself boasts a core structure dating from the 15th century. Archbishop John Stafford who died in 1452 built the magnificent great hall. Monarchs from Henry VI to Elizabeth I dined there. They sat on Stafford’s stone throne a piece of which still stands.
Queen Elizabeth I visited frequently. Her travelling bed was placed in what’s now known as Queen Elizabeth’s Room. This large 15th-century space boasts a moulded ceiling. Even the chapel dates from the 15th century. It includes a dark oak gallery pew called Queen Elizabeth’s Pew. It was built by Archbishop William Laud. Beneath it rests a Norman font. It’s a fascinating piece gifted from St George’s Church Southwark in Victorian times. This is the same font where Charles Dickens’s Little Dorrit was christened.
But the Old Palace of John Whitgift School isn’t just medieval history. The school also boasts modern facilities. These include seven laboratories a heated indoor swimming pool and an Art and Technology building. In 2001 new buildings opened for the Junior Department and the Sixth Form and PE area. The school also has access to the Whitgift Foundation’s grounds and facilities.
Sadly the Old Palace of John Whitgift School is scheduled to close in 2025. This is due to financial difficulties. The school however continues to thrive until then. It provides a high-quality education for girls aged 3 to 18. It’s a testament to the dedication of staff and students alike.
So as you stand here before the Old Palace of John Whitgift School remember its rich past and vibrant present. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place of learning and history. A place that has shaped lives for centuries. It’s a legacy that will endure.