In June, some of our wonderful supporters from the Dead Donkey Legacy club went to Hatfield House, which was the childhood home and favourite residence of Queen Elizabeth I. As our Foundress, Queen Elizabeth I is one of the most important characters in the history of the College, so we went with curiosity to explore her former home and gardens.

We were fortunate to be guided around the house by Dermot, a highly experienced guide who has worked at Hatfield for the last 17 years and whose knowledge of the history of the house, it’s past and present occupants, and visitors was unequivocally remarkable.

As well as touring the house, as all guests do, we were treated to secret rooms, roped off balconies and, the cherry on the top, we were guided into the basement where we got to see, touch and appreciate the original Elizabeth College statutes dating back to 1563. We were shown the document by Georgina Shaw, Operations Assistant at Hatfield House, who had kindly arranged the whole day for us including persuading the Archivist to let us see this historically important document.

 Hatfield House is such an interesting property set in acres of parkland. I would encourage you to take a visit there and connect with part of the Elizabeth College history, next time you are in the area.

This is an example of the type of events that we organise for our Dead Donkey Club members. Other events include croquet and bbq’s, film evenings and our annual Gibson Fleming music concert and meal.  The club is composed of supporters of Elizabeth College who have pledged to remember the College with a gift in their will.

If you would like to join us at one of our events to learn more about the Dead Donkey Club or become a member of the club, please get in touch for a confidential conversation. There is no cost to join the legacy club—just a promise to remember Elizabeth College so that future generations can benefit from your generosity.