Morden College facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Morden College |
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| Type | Residential home |
| Location | Blackheath, London, England |
| Built | 1695-1702 |
| Architect | Christopher Wren |
| Governing body | Charity |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Morden College | |
| Designated | 19 October 1951 |
| Reference no. | 1289879 |
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Morden College is a special place in Blackheath, south-east London, England. For over 300 years, it has helped people by providing homes and care. It's run by a charity, meaning it helps others without making a profit.
The college was started in 1695 by a kind person named Sir John Morden. He wanted to create a home for "poor Merchants" – people who had lost their money. The first buildings might have been designed by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren.
Originally, Morden College was built for 40 single or widowed men. Over time, it has grown and changed. Today, it is a Grade I listed building, which means it's a very important historic site. It now works as a retirement home for older people. In 2023, its new day centre, the John Morden Centre, even won a big award for its design called the Stirling Prize.
Contents
The Story of Morden College
Morden College was founded in 1695 by Sir John Morden. He was a philanthropist, someone who gives money and time to help others. Sir John wanted to create a safe home for merchants who had lost their wealth. This could happen through accidents at sea or other tough situations.
The college buildings were constructed on the Wricklemarsh estate. While Sir Christopher Wren is sometimes given credit for the design, much of the building work was done by Edward Strong. He was a master builder who worked with Wren.
The first buildings were designed to house 40 men. These men had to be single or widowed. An old description from 1796 tells us about the college. It said the buildings were made of brick with stone details. They formed a square shape with covered walkways. Statues of Sir John Morden and his wife were above the front entrance.
Early Years and Support
Sir John Morden placed twelve merchants in the college during his lifetime. He passed away in 1708. In his will, he left money and land to the college. This was to make sure it could keep helping people.
After Sir John's death, his wife, Lady Morden, managed the college. She had to reduce the number of residents for a while. But when she died in 1721, the college received all the money Sir John had left. This helped it grow.
To live at the college, people had to be over 50 years old. They also had to be single or widowed. They received a monthly payment. The college could house 30 people at a time. Trustees from the Turkey Company oversaw the college and chose the residents.
Many other generous people also donated money to Morden College. These were often important merchants and their families. Their gifts helped the college continue its important work for many years.
Changes Over Time
For a long time, trustees from the Turkey Company managed Morden College. Later, from 1827 to 1884, trustees from the British East India Company took over. Since 1884, the college has been managed by the Court of Aldermen of the City of London.
In the 20th century, the rules for who could live at Morden College changed. It began to welcome women and married couples. Several new buildings were also added to the site.
Today, Morden College is a retirement home. It is a Grade I listed building, recognized for its historical importance since 1951. The college also runs other homes in the Blackheath and Beckenham areas.
In October 2023, the John Morden Centre at the college won a major award. This day centre, designed by Mæ, received the Stirling Prize for its excellent architecture.
Important People Connected to Morden College
Past Residents
- Henry Newton Knights (1872–1959), a former Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party, lived here.
- Ann Moss, FBA (1938–2018), a scholar who studied French literature, also lived here.
