Recently, Christ’s Hospital – an independent boarding school in Sussex – reached the 350th anniversary of their Royal Mathematical School, to celebrate this momentous occasion, the school population travelled to London to hold a St Matthew’s day service in St Pauls Cathedral and subsequently marched through the streets from the cathedral to Guildhall where they were welcomed by the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The service, which took place on the fourth of October, featured students taking part in the service, including the school’s Chapel Choir and Gospel Choir who have been practicing fervently for their performance leading the hymns sung in the cathedral.
After the service the students marched orderly from the side of St Pauls to the entrance of Guildhall, the school marching band was excellent having practiced for the occasion since the beginning of the school year and the marching was particularly exceptional; the tradition of the Lord Mayor approving the list of governors on St Matthews Day, the 21st of September, has continued to be celebrated at Christ’s Hospital for over 450 years
This is one of many practices the school has upheld: from their unusually archaic uniform to their marching processions, but the students don’t seem to mind, in fact, they have embraced these unique parts of their daily lives, so the service was a brilliant way to show what the school had been preparing for.
In short, this parade through London was the crowning achievement of the Michaelmas term, their hard work really paid off and they are understandably very proud of their undeniably successful showcase on this significant day.
