Queens' College celebrates its 575th anniversary

On the 15th April 2023, Queens' College celebrated the 575th anniversary of its foundation by Andrew Dokett, vicar of St Botolph's Church, and Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI. It is a quarter of a century since the 550th anniversary in 1998, when our former Patroness, the late Queen Mother, visited the College.

To mark this significant occasion, at 12 noon, Queens' organ scholars past and present played triumphant organ music, with students, alumni and staff in attendance. Following the music, there was the opportunity to wander the grounds and take lunch in Cripps Hall. Tours also took place throughout the day for alumni in the historic Old Library.

Since the Foundation Stone was placed at the south-east corner of the Chapel centuries ago, many thousands of students have walked the courts, corridors and halls of Queens', and will continue to do so for generations to come. A full chronology of the history of Queens' College is available on our website, from foundation to the 21st century.

You can find out more about the organists below.

Queens' Organ Scholars

Benjamin Markovic (2020)

Ben is the Aliki Vatikioti Senior Organ Scholar at Queens', where he is currently in his final year reading Music. He recently became a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, and he has given recitals all across the country.

Bertilla Shotton (2005)

Bertilla was the first female organ scholar at Queens', between 2005 and 2008. She studied Law and is a Solicitor at Mills & Reeve LLP, Cambridge. She also got married in the Chapel at Queens' in 2011.

Ralph Woodward (1991)

Ralph has built up a career conducting, playing the organ and piano, editing and teaching. He conducts the Fairhaven Singers and is currently the Interim Assistant Director of Music at King's.