The launch of the Lyon Memorial Fund, as part of the School's tercentenary appeal in 1871, successfully raised the necessary funds for the construction of a new Speech Room to accommodate a growing school. A hundred and fifty years later, it was fitting to restore this iconic space to its full glory in celebration of the School’s 450th Anniversary. 

A comprehensive restoration and refit of this Grade II-listed building was undertaken during the summer. The project included the removal and replacement of the lighting scheme, complete rewiring, sympathetic decoration, specialist cleaning of the stained glass, cleaning of the ceiling, redecorating of the cast iron columns and bases, and cleaning and redecorating of the vaults and arches over the proscenium, along with all walls and stonework. 

SPONSOR A CHAIR  

As part of Harrow 450, the Harrow Development Trust is inviting OH families, parents and friends to ‘sponsor a chair’ for a contribution of £1,000. This continues a long-standing tradition, which dates back to 1901 when each boy was invited to present a chair on leaving Harrow.  

Many of the existing chairs will be restored and reupholstered and some, beyond repair, will be replaced. There are 622 chairs in total, and monies raised from this appeal will go towards the £2.2m costs of this Harrow 450 heritage project. Each chair will carry a brass plaque with the donor’s name(s).