Brief History

Benedictine monks of Westminster Abbey were required by Pope Alexander III to provide a small charity school.

Dissolution of Benedictine Monastery. Henry VIII ensured the School’s survival by statute.

New charter for ‘The College’ from Elizabeth I.

Elizabethan statutes establish links with Christ Church, Oxford, and Trinity, Cambridge.

First Election Dinner.

Elizabeth attends Latin Plays.

Monk’s Dormitory first used as Schoolroom.

Richard Busby. (H.M. 1638-1695)

Execution of Charles I: Busby leads School in prayers for the King on the day of his beheading. c.1659 Busby Library built.

Ashburnham House built.

Fire of London. Dean Dolben and scholars save St Dunstan’s in the East.

Westminster boys first formally attended a Coronation.

Scholars occupy new Dormitory designed by Burlington.

First recorded cricket match: Old Westminsters vs Old Etonians.

Grant family begins to manage a boarding house.

First recorded 'Pancake Greaze'.

Rebellion in the School: Francis Burdett felled by Head Master’s cudgel.

First cricket match against Eton at Hounslow Heath.

Vincent Square secured as playing field. c.1815 Competitive rowing begins.

Westminster’s victory over Eton at rowing hastens death of William IV.

Last wholly oral ‘Challenge’.

Prince Albert and Prince of Wales attend Latin Play.

Public Schools Act gives Westminster independence.

Ashburnham House purchased on death of Lord John Thynne; new day boy house (‘Ashburnham’) started.

First non-classical curriculum.

First Science building in Great College Street.

Busby Library destroyed Head Master’s secretary killed in air raid.

School and College destroyed in air raid.

Under School started in Little Dean’s Yard.

George VI reopens College.

First girl pupil.

Girls first become full members of the School.

Acquisition of new science building in Smith Square.