Sion College - History

History

The original buildings in London Wall were on a site previously occupied by Elsing Spital, a hospital for the blind founded in 1329, and earlier still by a nunnery. They comprised the almshouses, a hall and chapel, and the library added to the foundation by Dr John Simson, rector of St Olave's, Hart Street, one of White's executors. There were also, at least originally, apartments for students. The site was bounded by London Wall, Philip Lane, and Gayspur Lane (now Aldermanbury), roughly where Aldermanbury Square now stands. The first Court (committee) from 1630 consisted of John Gifford (President), Thomas Worrall and John Simson (Deans), and Francis Dee, Cornelius Burges, Edward Abbott and Thomas Wood (Assistants).

In the 1640s Sion College was regarded as a stronghold of the London presbyterians, their "de facto headquarters", and it took on a collective role from around 1645. The administration of the College fell into the hands of the parliamentarian side during 1643, as John Sedgwick of St Alphage London Wall took on the royalists President James Marsh, archdeacon of Chichester, and Edward Sparke. A work from 1646 by Anthony Burges claimed support from College members including the President Arthur Jackson, There were attacks on the College by the Independents John Goodwin (Sion-Colledg visited and Neophytopresbyteros) and John Price (1625?-1691) (The Pulpit Incendiary, 1648), and it was defended by Cornelius Burges (Sion College what it is, and doeth, 1648). William Jenkyn also attacked Goodwin (The Busie Bishop, or the Visitor Visited, and The Blind Guide, or Doling Doctor, 1648).

From 1647 to 1659 the provincial synod met there, leading to the name "Sion College Conclave"; There was a practical distinction, the London Provincial Assembly consisting of elders rather than all ministers. The first synod took particular aim at John Milton's divorce tracts, beginning a polemic relationship with Milton. The Serious and Faithfull Representation (January 1649) of 47 London ministers, a work against Oliver Cromwell, arose from an assembly in the College; Milton's The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates from February of that year is in part an answer, and snipes at the ministers.

The College was badly damaged in the Great Fire of London. In 1884 the almshouses were abolished, and the almsfolk became out-pensioners. It was subsequently found possible to extend their numbers from the original number of two men and two women to 40 in all, and to increase the pension. In 1886 Sion College was moved to new buildings at 56 Victoria Embankment, between Carmelite Street and John Carpenter Street. It became principally known for its theological library which served as a lending library to members of the college, and was accessible to the public. A governing body appointed by the members to administer the foundation includes a president, two deans and four assistants.

In 1996, the college disposed of its large Victorian premises on the banks of the River Thames. The building has been converted into offices. The library was closed June 1996, with the manuscripts, pamphlets, and pre-1850 printed books going to Lambeth Palace Library, and newer books to The Maughan Library, King's College London. Its activities now take place in a variety of locations.

The College is now administered from offices at 53 Fleet Street.