Student initiates a visit from Bishop of London

The Bishop, Dr Richard Chartres, KCVO, FSA was invited to spend an informal day at Christ’s Hospital, where he met the Head Master, John Franklin and was involved in a Sixth Form discussion group. Onyinye, aged 16, gave an account of the Bishop of London’s visit to the School: “I began my day by taking the Bishop on a tour of the School. I started by showing him the Chapel, looking particularly at the magnificent Brangwyn murals. We then went to the Theatre where it was filled with our junior pupils in action as they performed in their drama lesson. Before heading to lunch, we looked at the paintings in the library and were able to spot Bishop Ridley – the Bishop of London in 1552 who preached the need for Christ’s Hospital. It was nice that we were able to make such an important and historic connection. We then had lunch and watched ‘Band Parade’, a lunchtime tradition when the pupils march into lunch to the accompaniment of the School Band. After lunch, the Bishop was kind enough to hold a Sixth Form discussion group when he spoke about his work in China and his theological journey over the last 40 years. My favourite part of the day was the tour. I was honoured to be given the privilege of showing the Bishop the School. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this very special day a success; it is something I will certainly never forget.” The Bishop of London’s historic connections stretch back to the School’s foundation over 465 years ago in London when Bishop Ridley played an important role in mustering benefactors in the City to help fund Christ’s Hospital. Today’s Bishop of London first met Onyinye six years’ ago when he ‘presented’ her to the School on behalf of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. Presentations by Livery Companies reaffirm CH’s ancient links with the City. Report and picture contributed by Christ’s Hospital.