The Grierson Rickfords were the first Houseparents of Follyfield House when it changed from a boys to a girls’ house, in 1995. However, Follyfield House also has the Royal seal of approval, boasting a plaque unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen, when she visited Felsted to mark its historic 450th anniversary celebration last May.
The girls of Follyfield, parents, staff, Old Felstedians and members of the Felsted Community thoroughly enjoyed this momentous occasion, which included a blessing of the new House by the Felsted School Chaplain, a Thanksgiving Service in the School Chapel and a celebratory lunch.
Following a devastating fire in 2012, Follyfield was rebuilt on a new site in the centre of the school campus and is equipped for 21st century boarding. Accommodating sixty-two girls, the House has spacious common rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, study and relaxation areas. An open atrium spans the three floors of the building, overlooked by social areas on each floor. Under-floor heating connected to an air source heat pump ensures the building is environmentally friendly, and state of the art security systems control access.
Current Follyfield Housemistress Mrs Nicola O’Brien comments, “Moving to the new building has been a time of great anticipation and excitement; the girls enjoyed being involved in many of the design and interior aspects and feel privileged to be living in such magnificent new building. The next stage of our beloved House’s new history has begun and I feel honoured to be able to walk with the girls into the future.”
