College, also known as College Dormitory, and (historically) Lord Burlington's Dormitory is the historic boarding house for the King's Scholars of Westminster School in London, England. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited buildings in the school and remains the residence of the forty King's Scholars, whose education dates from the original royal foundation of Queen Elizabeth I. It was designed by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington, based in part on earlier designs by Christopher Wren; the present building dates from 1772.
History The present College building dates from 1772, when architect Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington laid the foundation stone for a new building designed in the Palladian style, drawing inspiration from Palladio's cloister at San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, and also from Inigo Jones' piazzas in Covent Garden. It was Burlington's first public building, and the first building in London to use Bath stone. The King's Nurseries by John Field, James & James, London, 1987, p.120
In August 1939 Westminster School was evacuated to Sussex, where it remained for the duration of WW2.The King's Nurseries by John Field, James & James, London, 1987, p.90 In May 1941 College was bombed in an air raid; the interior was almost completely destroyed, leaving only the stone walls standing. Westminster School Hall was burned out in the same raid. The King's Nurseries by John Field, James & James, London, 1987, p.94 College was rebuilt after the war and re-opened by King George V in 1950. Field, p.101
King's Scholars
College houses The King's Scholars of Westminster School, whose education dates back to the original royal foundation of Queen Elizabeth I in 1560. The scholars take part in each coronation in Westminster Abbey, acclaiming the new monarch by shouting "Vivat".Coronation: The school pupils who will proclaim the King, BBC News 6 May 2023 They also have the right to observe Parliament.Walter Thornbury, "Westminster School", in Old and New London: Volume 3 (London, 1878), pp. 462–483. British History Online Prior to 2017, 40 scholarships were available, all were awarded to boys sitting the Westminster "Challenge". Four Sixth Form girls' scholarships were launched in 2017.
During the reign of a queen, the King's Scholars become Queen's Scholars.
Today Today College retains much of its eighteenth-century character. The building forms the east flank of the school courtyard known as Little Dean's Yard, with a central hall and dormitory rooms above. To the east is College Garden, one of the oldest gardens in England.
See also College Garden King's Scholar (Westminster School) Westminster School Westminster Abbey
References
Bibliography The King's Nurseries by John Field, James & James, London, 1987
External links Westminster School official website Retrieved 19 November 2025 Westminster Abbey official website Retrieved 19 November 2025