Speech Day: Through the Archives

The Origin Story

Speech Day was established as a tradition in the late 19th century. Like today’s, it featured special guests, speeches, and prize-giving over a lunch and refreshments. It also often included dramatic performances and music, and a church service has been part of the programme since 1913.

Key Moments & Developments

The first reference to Speech Day appears in 1868, the year Reverend Henry Robinson became Head (1868-1876). It stems from a popular public school tradition of guest speakers and prizes. Robinson was an important innovator in the history of Chigwell School, as he also introduced the Old Chigwellian Shrove Tuesday Supper and the School Motto – aut inveniam aut faciam ('Find a way or make a way').

Invitation for Speech Day (1870) & Prize Book from Speech Day (1890)

Speech Day was even held during wartime – including in 1917, when there was an air-raid on London in the morning of the event, but it still went ahead. For the 300th Anniversary of Chigwell School in 1929, the Archbishop of York attended Speech Day, and a Fête and Bazaar were held over weeks following.

Woodford Times on Speech Day (1929) & Fete & Bazaar Poster (1929)

The tradition continued annually, and remained focused on its prizegiving, fundraising, and community-gathering origins. An inspection of the School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) was also added to the programme sometime after its 1900 creation.

Speech Day Invitation (1955) & C.C.F. at Speech Day (1961)

Under Headmaster Brian Wilson (1971-89), the marquee was revived for the event, and the day was extended with a Ball.

Prizegiving at Speech Day (1950s) & Marquee for Speech Day (1970s)

For the 350th anniversary of the School in 1979, a Pageant, Historical Exhibition, and a Concert were held in the days leading up to Speech Day.

Speech Day (1979) & 350th Anniversary Pageant (1979)

Speech Day Today

In recent years, Speech Day has continued the mid-20th Century innovation of the Exhibition, while maintaining some of the original features from its 19th Century origins.

Speech Day Exhibition Invitation (2011) & Speech Day in the Marquee (2018)

2020 saw the first Remote Speech Day, due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the in-person event resumed in 2021. Speech Day 2023 introduced the opportunity for a picnic on Top Field, as well as including the traditional service in St Mary’s Church, alongside the anticipated speeches, prizegiving, and refreshments.

Deputy Head & Praefects, Speech Day (2019) & Set-Up for Virtual Speech Day (2020)