Students and Staff Visit Sarah Bonnell's Grave
Categories: General News
Sarah Bonnell, the schools benefactor was once again paid homage to by the students and staff.
The visit to the historic church of St Marys that dates back 900 years in the village of Walthamstow. The burial place for the Bonnell Family which has Sarah Bonnell, her brother John Bonnell and her father buried in the church was not just to pay homage, but to remember the courage of Sarah Bonnell who dedicated the family’s considerable wealth to the education of the underprivileged young girls of that time. 
Sarah Bonnell students and staff were welcomed by the church warden and a parishner. Unfortunately, the Rector Revd. Simon Heathfield was unable to be present at the ceremony which consisted of a reading from the Bonnell family plaque, a speech by Ms Chesters and the laying of flowers by the students on the burial place of Sarah Bonnell.
There was time for the students to have a tour the church and for the girls to learn the rich history of the church, the many prominent men that were associated with the area over the centuries and the interesting legacy left to the people of Walthamstow.
The church was built in the early 12th century by Ralph de Toni, the first reference to the church was written in 1147 when Alice de Toni gave the church to the Priory of Aldgate in memory of him.
The historic marble font was given to the church in 1714 and symbolises entry to the Christian faith. The font was originally placed at the church entrance and as it is now a valuable artefact, it is not used and is replaced by a mobile font!
To lighten the occasion there were soft drinks and biscuits served to the students and staff before leaving.
Another year passes when both students and staff took a moment to remember and be thankful to the schools benefactor.
Mr D Rodrigues
Hospitality and Events Manager
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