founded as the philological society by thomas collingwood, under the patronage of the prince frederick, duke of york and albany, its object was to help "the heads of families, who by unexpected misfortune, have been reduced from a station of comfort and respectability." founded in mary street (later renamed stanhope street, n.w. 1), it moved to marylebone road in 1827. its fortunes improved largely due to edwin abbott, headmaster from 1827 to 1872. after abbott, the school's financial position deteriorated.