Old Palace is honoured by Ancient Monument Society
Conservationist Dame Jennifer Jenkins was the quest of honour at the historic Old Palace of Croydon last month when the Ancient Monuments Society held their AGM.
More than 150 members of the society turned up to the meeting on July 14th 2001 which was followed by a talk on the history of the building by Dr Andrew Bradstock, from the Friends of the Old Palace, and then tea in the school's medieval undercroft, now used as the dining room.
After refreshments, the group was given a guided tour of the Palace by Dr Bradstock and other members of the Friends of Old Palace.
Eminent conservationist Dame Jennifer Jenkins, former Chairman of the National Trust, chaired the meeting and was impressed at how well the Palace has survived the centuries.
She said : "I have never before seen a building incorporating so many different periods being used as a school today, the Old Palace girls are very fortunate to be educated in such a beautiful environment."
Dame Jennifer is the wife of Lord Jenkins of Hillhead, one of the founder members of the SDP, and former Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Mr Mathew Saunders, Secretary of the Ancient Monuments Society, said : "This place is incredible, and is in Croydon. The last thing you think about when you think of Croydon is a Palace this beautiful."
The Old Palace has been open during the summer for guided tours and cream teas, reliving the building's fascinating history.
The tours have finished now but will be resumed in the autumn.
For more information contact Andrew Bradstock on 0208 680 0467.
See also other articles about the palace on 18/10/2001 and 05/06/2002.