A Special Connection: Downe House and Queen’s Gate School

Downe House has connections with several Schools, however, the historical connection with Queen’s Gate School is rather exceptional, dating back to the Second World War. Miss Olive Willis, Founder of Downe House, was an old friend of Queen’s Gate Principal, Miss Spalding ‘Spee’. During the war, the School was evacuated to Downe House, in the Cold Ash countryside following an invitation by Miss Willis in which she kindly offered hospitality and the use of form rooms, gymnasium, labs, piano room, playing fields and 120 acres of private grounds. About 60 girls travelled from London along with the School Cook, Chauffeur and indeed several pets.