The Royal Wanstead School

A structure of Hope, built on the foundation of Faith, by the hand of Charity.

Dr Andrew Reed was a Presbyterian Minister who worked tirelessly to help educate and care for 'fatherless children of the necessitous middle classes'.After much effort he gained the support of the Duke of Wellington and Queen Victoria whose donation of £50 triggered many other donations.

In 1840 the site in Wanstead, part of the Queen's estate, was obtained. Building started in 1841, opened by Leopold King of the Belgians on 27th June 1843.

The school was supported by various charities and individuals. Looking back on my time there (from 1933 to 1949) I realise that we were a very priviledged group of children. We were fed, clothed,educated and cared for. The building is a monument to the founder and to those who supported him. It still stands today and houses Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Though the school was closed in 1971 the ideal on which it was founded is still upheld through the Royal Wanstead Foundation. Through its efforts some 300 children are currently supported at about 50 different boarding schools throughout the country.

Donations, or better still annual subscriptions, can be made through Rosemary Brotherwood Clerk to the Foundation, Royal Wanstead Foundation, Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KY11 2ES