Under the blazing summer sun on the longest day, generations of Old Stortfordians and staff gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Grimwade House, the beloved prep school boarding house that has stood as a cornerstone of Bishop’s Stortford College for 113 years. With laughter echoing through its familiar halls and stories flowing as freely as the refreshments, the event was a poignant celebration of a place that has been a “home from home” for generations of young boarders since 1912.

The decision to close Grimwade House comes amid a steady decline in demand for prep school boarding, rendering its continued operation financially unviable. But on this special day, the mood was one of warmth, gratitude, and shared memories rather than sorrow.

A House Steeped in History

Grimwade House opened its doors in the spring of 1912, the same year Captain Scott reached the South Pole and the Titanic embarked on its ill-fated voyage. Named after Edward William Grimwade—philanthropist, pharmaceutical magnate, and long-serving Chairman of the College Governing Council—the house was purpose-built to accommodate 28 boys aged 7 to 13, complete with classrooms, a dining room, sick bay, and staff quarters.

Over the decades, Grimwade evolved with the times. From wartime bunking in the common room to the arrival of continental quilts in 1978, the house adapted to the needs of its growing community. At its peak in 1978, it housed 78 boys, and in 1995, it warmly welcomed its first girls.

A Living Legacy

The farewell event welcomed back OS and staff spanning eight decades. Many brought their families to walk the halls, revisit dormitories, and share stories of midnight feasts, ping pong tournaments, and the infamous “rhino chute”—a once-secret escape route for unwanted stew, cleverly hidden beneath a loose tile in the dining room. Not to mention the legendary fire drills using sheets from top floor dorms.

Touching tributes were paid to the cherished pastoral staff who shaped the house’s nurturing environment and to Housemaster Charles Abram (Grimwade Housemaster (74-83) (Prep School Staff, 68-83) & treasured Houseparents Adrian and Mandy Hathaway (Grimwade, 08-21).

A Playground of Passions

Grimwade was more than a boarding house—it was a hub of hobbies and creativity. From model aeroplanes or kite flying to the 1980s invasion of Rubik’s cubes and Space Invaders, the house reflected the changing interests of its residents. Clubs like Railway Club, Radio Grimwade, and the Grimwade Gazette fostered curiosity and camaraderie, while the house pond and garden offered moments of peace and reflection.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

As guests wandered through the house one last time, many paused to reflect on the enduring spirit of Grimwade. Its walls have witnessed laughter, learning, and lifelong friendships. Though the building may close as a boarding house, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who called it home and through those sixth formers who will benefit from the new Sixth Form Centre in the future.

Please Log-in to your portal account to enjoy the event photographs which capture the House as it is today and the OS Fond Farewell event.