On Tuesday 14 th March 2023, a dedication and thanksgiving service for the foundation of Bridewell Royal Hospital was held at St Bride’s, Fleet Street. The Lord Mayor and senior members of the City of London Corporation, the Treasurer and Governors of the Bridewell Schools, along with pupils and staff of King Edward’s Witley attended the service. The Head, Heads of School, invited members of staff and our Year 7 and 8 choristers from the Bridewell Choir, represented Barrow Hills School. The service in London was a special occasion whereby the mace, the symbol of the commission of Bridewell Royal Hospital from the City of London, is touched by the Lord Mayor to re-affirm the commission and the City’s continued role in the work of Bridewell Royal Hospital.
This symbolic act of reaffirmation means that the City of London remains dedicated in its assistance of Foundation in its mission as a place to support children in education. As was first envisaged by Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London, the Bridewell Palace was used to house, care and educate the under-privileged and destitute – ‘a place to lodge Christ in’.
The establishment was known as The Bridewell Royal Hospital. A short prayer and the Bishop’s blessing of the mace was the second part of the affirmation. As part of the Foundation, Barrow Hills is part of a royal, ancient (founded in 1553) and religious (Christian) foundation.
As the two schools are further unified under the Bridewell Foundation,Monday’s service ensured that the community of Barrow Hills is included and part of the special moments that this Foundation takes part in every year, such as Admissions Day and Bridewell Day. This was a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and reflect on our heritage and values.
