Westminster Abbey Choir benefactors

A framed panel, painted blue with white lettering in the south cloister of Westminster Abbey, records the generous donors to Westminster Abbey Choir. It is placed on the wall near the door which until recently led to the Song School. The inscription reads:

Westminster Abbey Choir. Daily services have been sung in the Abbey ever since its foundation over 900 years ago. The present Choral Foundation dates from the reign of Henry VIII when the choir consisted of twelve men and ten boy choristers. A further twelve choristers now sing in the choir and all the boys are boarders at the Westminster Abbey Choir School in Dean's Yard. Unlike other Choir Schools this school is attended only by choir boys and has around 36 pupils. During term the Choir normally sings in the Abbey every day except Wednesday. The greater part of the cost of the boys' education is borne by the Dean and Chapter. There have also been generous benefactions to the Choral Foundation from Beatrice Bernal, Lady Margaret Roberts, The Friends of Cathedral Music, The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, The Ouseley Trust, The French Protestant Church of London.

It was erected in July 1992. Miss Bernal was a long serving Voluntary helper at the Abbey.