Bradfield 175 Timeline unveiled

Bradfield is delighted to unveil the Bradfield 175 Timeline which showcases the many developments and achievements of the College over its 175 year history.

Perfectly situated in Bloods Corridor, it runs the full length of this historic feature and is a place where pupils, parents and the wider Bradfield community can learn about and feel proud of Bradfield’s rich heritage.

‘The timeline is a great way to bring the College's history to life, I especially like the artefacts displayed alongside the key dates in Bradfield’s history’
Karen Ward, Bradfield Society Project Lead

Beautifully decorated with images and artefacts from the College’s history, the timeline also features the bright colours of ‘Education for Life’ and has turned what was quite a dark corridor into a vibrant educational setting.

The timeline sequences the history in chronological order, starting in 1751 the date when the Stevens family acquired Bradfield Manor and lists interesting events, giving insight into the development of the campus, teaching, sports and pastimes – a formal and at the same time a more personal history.

A selection of some of the 80 points included in the timeline are listed below;

1850 – Bradfield College opens

1853 – Florence Nightingale advises on the sanitorium

1883 – Rifle Corps established

1896 – ‘Grubs’ Tuck shop opens

1912 – The first Science school opens

1920 – The first Steeplechase is run

The Timeline finishes in 2025 with the wall at the end of the corridor celebrating ‘Bradfield today’ with a selection of imagery from the Bradfield we see around us.

Huge thanks to Karen Ward from the Bradfield Society office for ably leading this project with the support of Stuart Williams, current staff author of the recently published Bradfield College: Prosperity Past Our Deserving and Dr John Cardwell, College Archivist.

In addition to the timeline we will be installing information boards around the campus at key historic locations, such as the Greek Theatre, the St Andrew’s Study Centre and Quad as a focal point for College tours and general visitors to Bradfield.

These projects are great examples of the value of the College archive, as a resource for learning about our past but also providing a source future inspiration. If you are interested in learning more about the archive and our future plans read Bradfield Archives: Preserving Bradfield’s History for the next 175 years

Quick Links