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
