History of Philanthropy

There is a long history of philanthropy associated with Marlborough College which has been ingrained into the Marlburian ethos since the school’s foundation in 1843. The school’s very foundation was to provide an excellent education for the children of the Church of England clergy. This founding principle has given Marlborough a strong social purpose and an ethos of caring for others which continues to guide Marlborough today.

A glimpse of the College’s history shows us how philanthropy has shaped Marlborough into the College that we know today. Philanthropy has not only funded the College’s physical environment and bursaries for pupils but has encouraged Marlburians to give to the community.

The events listed below are just a handful of projects that are thanks to the contributions of parents, Old Marlburians, staff, and friends:

1848

The first chapel

1848

1859

The first Sanatorium

1859

1884-6

Restoration of the Chapel

1884-6

1920

A fundraising appeal provided a canteen, reading room, library, and study rooms for men and women of the town

1920

1923

Introduction of electricity in the College and High Street funded by Herbert Leaf

1923

1924 – 1939

Marlborough hosted annual summer camps for boys from Swindon schools

1924 – 1939

1936

Herbert Leaf left a legacy to fund a building with new classrooms which was called Leaf Block

1936

1946

Centenary fund raised £40,000 to set up an endowment with an income to buy additional equipment such as library books

1946

1946

As a war memorial, an appeal for £100,000 was launched to fund scholarships for the sons of Marlburians who had died

1946

1968

Lord Wolfson financed an experiment to teach business studies

1968

2001

The Henry Hony Centre was opened thanks to a donation from the Hony family.

2001

2003

25-metre indoor swimming pool

2003

2005

The Art School

2005

2009

Ivy House was funded thanks to a substantial legacy from Reggie Wills (B1 1935-39)

2009

2012

The Cricket Pavilion was restored thanks to Henry Rose (C1 1953-57)

2012

2017

The Restoration of The Memorial Hall

2017

2021

The Beko Innovation Centre

2021