Camden at Westminster School Enterprise

About this space

The first house built on the site of Ashburnham House was constructed around 1380 as the Prior’s House of the Monastery and was only one room wide. Consequently the wall that divides the Camden Room from the rooms behind was initially an outside wall, accounting for its width. In the northwest corner, the course of a spiral staircase is visible.

For much of its life, Ashburnham House was a domestic property, with remaining features of grand fireplaces and chandeliers indicating this former use. The Camden Room fireplace likely dates to the 17th century, when the house was let to the Earls of Ashburnham who would go on to give it its surviving name. Three large portraits hang in the Camden Room. One is Elizabeth I, celebrated as the School’s foundress, and either side of her are two Head Masters.

William Camden was the only layman to hold the position of Head Master until 1937 and was appointed by Elizabeth I’s special dispensation. He is also a well-known historian, authoring Camden’s Britannia, a comprehensive survey of England’s historical remains, compiled during school holidays. Also represented is Alexander Nowell, who later went on to become Dean of St Paul’s and of Windsor. He is posthumously credited with the invention of bottled beer owing to a bottle left behind on a fishing trip and later rediscovered to still be drinkable.


Ideal for:
Drinks Receptions
Dinners
Meetings

Capacity:
60 (Drinks)
30 (Dinner/Meeting)

Accessibility:
Step-free Access

Capacity

• Standing

  up to 60
• Dining

  up to 30
• Boardroom

  up to 30
• Cabaret

  up to 30
• U-Shaped

  up to 30
• Classroom

  up to 30

Catering and drinks

Facilities

• Wi-Fi available
• Projector
• Flatscreen TV
• Whiteboard
• Flipchart
• PA system / speakers Venue provides a sound system for music and announcements
• Conference call facilities Equipment for video or phone conferencing during your event
• Air conditioner
• Photo equipment Camera and photography equipment available on site
• Natural light Room has windows or a skylight, so daylight comes in
• Video equipment
• Lighting equipment Professional lighting equipment for photography and filming
• Greenscreen Green screen for filming and photography
• Backdrops Photography backdrops available
• Storage space Place where clients can store items during their event
• Quiet space
• Dance floor Dedicated dance floor area
• Soundproof Soundproofed room for noise control
• Mirrors Full-length mirrors available
• Free parking is available on-site
• Paid parking facilities available nearby
• Unavailable: Accommodation is available on-site Accommodation is available on-site

Music & sound equipment

• Play your own music Venue allows playing your own music
• Bring your own DJ Venue allows bringing your own DJ instead
• Space has noise restriction after 23:00