King Edward’s School was originally in London, in the Bridewell Palace on the banks of the river Fleet. In 1553 Bishop Ridley asked the boy King, Edward VI, (only son of the late King Henry VIII) for the use of the palace for the poor of London.- “..a place to lodge Christ in.” The charter was signed on the 10th April 1553 for the foundation of Bridewell Royal Hospital. Poor children were taken into Bridewell and apprenticed to learn trades, to be reformed, disciplined and become useful citizens.

Bridewell Palace burnt down during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was subsequently rebuilt. In 1830 a new House of Occupations was opened in St George’s Fields, Southwark. Here there was more emphasis on education rather than reform of character. Children aged 8 – 18 were accepted from the City, County of Middlesex and Borough of Southwark.

1860 saw the setting up of a new charity scheme for Bridewell Royal Hospital and the House of Occupations was renamed King Edward’s School. Now boys and girls could be admitted from the age of 10 from anywhere in the UK. The pupils were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and history as well as being trained in occupations. On leaving, girls went into domestic service and the boys into city firms, factories and the armed forces. 

In 1867 the boys moved out to newly built accommodation at Witley and it was not until 1952 that King Edward’s became co-educational again. The boys wore naval uniform and slept in hammocks. Discipline was harsh with drills and inspections the norm. Part of the curriculum was still to learn a trade and be in workshops. The chapel was the focus for religious education.

During World War II the School was requisitioned by the Admiralty Signals Establishment, renamed HMS Mercury, and used for top secret war work to develop naval radar. It has been said that ‘the Battle of the Atlantic was won on the playing fields of Witley’.

Since the School’s return to Witley in 1949 it has gone from strength to strength as a flourishing co-educational boarding school. Day pupils have been admitted and the Headmaster is a member of the HMC. The school has been privileged to have royal patrons including Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. 

In January 2006 HRH The Duchess of Gloucester accepted an invitation to become the next President of the Bridewell Royal Hospital, taking over the position formerly occupied by HM The Queen Mother. The Duchess will initially serve in this capacity for five years. The Bridewell Royal Hospital has valued its royal connections since its foundation in 1553 and the Duchess was delighted to be asked to continue this tradition. Born Birgitte Eva van Deurs in Denmark, the Duchess is the wife of HRH The, Duke of Gloucester, who is a cousin of the Queen. The Duke and Duchess undertake royal duties on the Queen's behalf and are patrons of many organisations with medical, educational or welfare connections. Her Royal Highness visited King Edward's and opened the astro turf in 2006.  

The School maintains its strong links with the City of London and on Speech Days there is great ceremonial with the visit of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen. With new buildings and in a beautiful setting in the heart of the Surrey countryside Bridewell Royal Hospital, King Edward’s School, Witley seems to be far away from its original home in the City of London. However what has evolved is a modern vibrant school well equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.