Our community came together on Saturday 24 October 2026 to celebrate the centenary of Durham School Chapel, with a special service of thanksgiving and remembrance and the world premiere of a new anthem by former pupil Will Todd.
Pupils, former pupils, staff and families gathered to mark a century of shared history. Built in 1926 under Headmaster Richard Budworth, the Chapel stands as a memorial to Old Dunelmians who lost their lives in the First World War.
Dr Michael Alderson, Headmaster of Durham School, said:
“For 100 years, our Chapel has stood at the heart of Durham School; it is a place where generations of pupils have gathered to worship, reflect, and mark important moments in school life. It remains so today.
“It was a privilege to welcome so many members of our community to celebrate this milestone. The premiere of Will Todd’s beautiful setting of Noel Hodgson’s words was a particularly moving reminder of the Chapel’s origins and the connections which bind generations of Dunelmians together.”
Generations brought together through music
A particularly moving moment was the premiere of Will Todd’s setting of Before Action, written by fellow Old Dunelmian William Noel Hodgson shortly before his death on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Hodgson is remembered in the Chapel’s stained-glass windows, and his death was among the losses that inspired its creation.
The anthem brought together a combined choir of current pupils and former members of the School community, conducted by Will Todd, with fellow Old Dunelmian Ralph Woodward at the organ. Conducting and organ duties were shared with our Director of Music, Simon Walker. The service also included John Ireland’s Greater Love.
Former pupil the Rt Revd Nigel Stock gave the address, reflecting on the Chapel’s significance and the importance of giving young people opportunities to encounter faith and explore spiritual questions. His family’s connection with the School predates the Chapel, and he himself won the Hodgson Prize for Poetry.
We were also pleased to welcome the High Sheriff of Durham, Dr Arnab Basu MBE; the Mayor of Durham, Cllr Amanda Hopgood; and the Precentor of Durham Cathedral, the Revd Canon Michael Hampel.
Friendships spanning the generations
Following the service, celebrations continued at the Old Dunelmian Society’s Annual Dinner in Big School. Former pupils aged from 18 to 93 renewed friendships and shared memories—a fitting close to a day celebrating the connections that bind our community together.
Photography: Mark Wilkinson
