Royal Masonic School for Girls

Opened in 1788, the Royal Masonic School for Girls has a captivating history. Initially, the school served a noble purpose. It educated daughters of Freemasons facing hardship due to illness, death, or disability. The school’s first location, a house in Somers Town, quickly became too small. The growing number of students prompted a move to St. George’s Fields, and later to a larger site in Battersea Rise. The Royal Masonic School for Girls finally settled in Rickmansworth in 1934. The sprawling 215-acre campus offers a tranquil setting. Did you know the school possesses a unique tradition called Drill? Imagine 180 girls, aged 11 to 18, performing a 20-minute routine. It combines calisthenics and marching, all executed without a single spoken instruction. This impressive display, rooted in Swedish Drill traditions from the 1880s, is a spectacle. The youngest student’s solitary walk to the front of the hall, followed by older girls in a protective formation, adds a touching element. The Royal Masonic School for Girls also has a special award called the Ashlar. This silver badge recognizes students’ hard work, embodiment of school values, and contributions to school life. It’s a symbol of their polished potential, much like the polished cornerstones of a temple. The school’s motto, “Circumornatae ut Similitudo Templi,” emphasizes this ideal. The school’s chapel, consecrated in 1934, is another significant landmark. Its stained glass windows, murals, and stonework are testaments to artistic craftsmanship. A statue of the school’s founder, Chevalier Ruspini, graces the chapel’s east elevation. It serves as a constant reminder of the school’s origins. Today, the Royal Masonic School for Girls continues to thrive. It embraces its rich heritage while providing a modern education. The school’s history, traditions, and commitment to excellence make it a truly special place.