This September, we celebrated milestone birthdays for two of our beloved Houses: Aldrich, which turned 80, and Williams, which marked its 35th anniversary.
To commemorate these special occasions, our College Archivist curated a vibrant display in the front window of the Simon Smith Building. The exhibition featured photographs and archival records charting the rich histories of both Houses through the decades.
Among the highlights were rare photographs from the official opening of Williams House on 29th September 1990. The House was formally opened by ITN newscaster Carol Barnes, and in attendance that day was Peggy Williams, for whom the House is named. We are fortunate to hold a small but treasured collection of images from that special day.
Aldrich’s journey was also showcased, including a look back at its half-centenary celebrations in March 1995, which coincided with the College’s sesquicentenary. The House hosted a celebratory dinner, bringing together current and Old Aldrichians. The evening’s guest of honour was Lord Archer of Weston-super-Mare, and preserved in the archives are invitations and programmes from the event—proud artefacts of Aldrich’s longstanding presence as a Boys' Day House.
The display also celebrated some of the musical triumphs of both Houses, particularly Aldrich’s impressive hat-trick in the House Song competition, winning in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
As we marked these anniversaries, it was important to reflect on the remarkable individuals whose names these Houses bear:
- Horace Aldrich was a distinguished figure in both College and civic life. Over a span of 25 years, he served as a Member—and later Chairman—of the College Council, and as President of the Old Brightonian Association. He was also Mayor of Brighton in 1929–30.
- Peggy Williams had lifelong ties to the College. Born at Chichester House, where her father was a College Master, she later married Rev. Bill Williams, Chaplain and HMM of Wilson’s House. Together, they led Wilson’s throughout its history. Peggy returned to the College in 1990 to open Williams House, shortly before her passing.
While the stories of Aldrich and Williams are well documented, many of our Houses have gaps in their recorded histories—missing photographs, uncertain timelines, and questions about traditions such as the adoption of House crests or the locations of Houses over time.
Do you have a favourite memory from your time in Williams? Do you remember when Aldrich House was known as ‘Lion House’? Was your House victorious in the House Song competition too? Or perhaps you have old photos, programmes, or stories you would be happy to share?
We would love to hear from you. Please contact: archives@brightoncollege.net
______
Whether it is a photo, uniform, diary, or program from a school play, every piece of history speaks to our shared journey. The Brighton College Archive contains hundreds of fascinating primary sources and we actively encourage interested OBs to get in touch and arrange a tour.
If you have any historic artefacts, documents, or memories from your College days that you would be willing to share with us, please contact our College Archivist, Mr James Harrison.
