Quatercentenary In 1997, Aldenham celebrated its 400th anniversary, or Quatercentenary, which led to what was known at 'The 400 Appeal' being established. Through different events the appeal aimed to raise as much money as possible, to help the school expand ready for the 21st century. The Quatercentenary began with a launch party with fireworks and a re-enactment of Richard Platt receiving the letters patent from Elizabeth I to build the school. There was also an OA Reunion Day and a 'Festival of the Car', along with a football match: Aldenham vs Watford F.C. The school was also visited during the year by The Princess Royal, who came to open the new artificial turf pitch that had been built as a result of money raised by the appeal. Aldenham and its Influence on Football Football has been a major sport at Aldenham since the dawn of the game. In 1825 Aldenham became the second place, after Eton College, to write down rules for its code of football. The Football Annual of 1873, edited by Charles W. Alcock, famous secretary of the Football Association and of Surrey County Cricket Club, states that Aldenham School Football Club was founded in 1825. This makes Aldenham School boast the title of having the earliest organised football club in the history of the game (something often awarded to Sheffield which began several years later in 1854). The original facsimile of Aldenham's entry in this 1873 Football Annual relating to this point, held by the Football Association itself, and being from such an authoritative source is perhaps grounds for the legal view that it is conclusive evidence. The late JR Witty, for so long on the staff of the Football Association wrote, "It was at such schools as Eton, Harrow, Westminster, Shrewsbury, Winchester and Aldenham and the like that Association Football, governed by the Laws of the Game which now operate, had its real formation." The Good Schools Guide called Aldenham "A seriously sporty school", as well as "Intensely competitive." Houses Aldenham has six senior houses and two junior houses. McGill's, senior, boarding boys and some day boys Beevor's, senior, boarding boys and some day boys Kennedy's, senior, boarding boys and some day boys Paull's, senior, boarding and day girls Riding's, senior, formerly day boys, now day girls Leeman's, senior, day boys Martineau's, junior boarding and day, boys and girls. Woodrow's, junior day boys and girls Arts