Our former parish school makes its annual journey back to St Bride’s

Last month, staff and pupils of King Edward’s School Witley returned to St Bride’s for the annual Bridewell Service, reaffirming their connection with the church which dates back to sixteenth century.

The school began as the Bridewell Royal Hospital in Bridewell Palace in the parish of St Bride’s. It was founded in 1553 by Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London, who believed education could transform lives.

The palace was granted to the Lord Mayor by King Edward VI to house and educate disadvantaged children. In 1830, the school was renamed King Edward’s and in 1867 moved to its present site in Witley.

Each year, the school returns to St Bride’s on Bridewell Day to honour its heritage and give thanks for the foundation of the Bridewell hospital.

The Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King, was in attendance and the sermon was given by The Rt Revd Julian Henderson, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Chichester.

The school chaplain, The Revd James Radcliffe, also serves as a chaplain of the Guild of St Bride, further strengthening the ties between school and church. The Head Girl and Head Boy can also be regularly heard reading at our Sunday morning services.

Written by Neil Bellingham