Ten Barrow Hills choristers from the Bridewell Choir joined those from King Edward’s Witley at St Bride’s Church in Fleet Street to take part in the annual Service of Thanksgiving for the founding of Bridewell Royal Hospital. In the Lord Bishop of Guildford’s absence, Bishop of Dorking Jo Wells explained how Henry VIII had built Bridewell Royal Palace for himself before our Founder, Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London, was then able to persuade the boy King, Edward VI, to part with his “unused, empty Bridewell Royal Palace” to house, care and educate the under-privileged and destitute, because the King should follow God’s example of loving generosity.
The Bridewell Mace, the symbol of the commission of Bridewell Royal Hospital from the City of London, was then brought into the church by the Beadle and presented to the Lord Mayor of the City of London, blessed by the Bishop and carried to the Vice-President who touched the Mace to re-affirm the Governors’ acceptance of the City’s commission and their own commitment to uphold the aims of the Bridewell Royal Hospital.
The choristers sung as part of the combined choirs of Barrow Hills and King Edward’s, singing Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’ and ‘Greater love hath no man’ by Ireland. Both pieces provided a real challenge for all the choristers; they rose to the occasion wonderfully. Following their performance of ‘Zadok the Priest’, the Bishop of Dorking, actually asked for a round of applause in appreciation of the quality of the music sung. Many other esteemed guests and dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor, commented on the high standard of music.
The service was followed by a reception in the Guildhall where the choristers enjoyed a delicious lunch. It was then off to Spectrum in Guildford to relax and enjoy some bowling. On their return to King Edward’s, delicious pizzas awaited, ready for all the choir to enjoy and wrap up this fantastic occasion.
“Bridewell Choristers are expected to work in a way expected of adult singers and perform at an incredibly high standard. All of the ten Barrow Hills choristers demonstrated excellent maturity and focus and were wonderful ambassadors for their school. They should be proud of what they have worked to achieve and being part of a unique and special event.”
Mr Frazer
