The House was named after Miss Eliza Jane Usherwood, Lady Warden of St Anne’s from 1879 – 1889.

In 1926 it was decided to introduce the house system and the school was divided up into three ‘houses’ – Macrorie, Usherwood and Frances Baines – according to the dormitories in the main building. Usherwood was housed in the green dormitory and this became the colour for the House. The house system provided a base for competition both on and off the sports fields. When the girls of FB moved out of the main building in 1930, the accommodation was shared by Macrorie and Usherwood houses.

The first House Mistress was Miss Jones and the Head of House was Nancy Trotter.

As the emphasis was placed on helping those in need and the importance of religion in everyday life, the Usherwood girls took part in Lenten sewing throughout the thirties. At different times work was sent to St Cross’s Orphanage and the Peter David Home, for which the girls of Usherwood House made dressing gownsand blue overalls and knickers. By 1937 the houses had identified themselves with different charities for which they sewed and Usherwood gave frocks, knickers and dolls to the Leper Mission in Zululand.

In 1943, when plans had been made for a new house to be built, Usherwood, still housed at one end of the main building, would gain Andrews small dormitory upstairs.

On 10 August 1945 Victory in Japan was declared and a half holiday was granted. On this day an afternoon of sports was organised and the house mistresses’ race was won by Usherwood.

It was a tradition for Usherwood House to present a nativity play in the Chapel. In 1954 the Chapel was extended, but the girls of Usherwood House were still able to perform their traditional nativity play there in December, using temporary seating and light.

At last, in October 1975, the girls from Usherwood were able to move into a new home. On 5 March 1977 a service of thanksgiving was held in the Chapel and this was followed by a procession to the new Usherwood House for the blessing of the buildings.

2004 marked a major upgrading of dormitories as well as the addition of a Boarder Mistress’ flat. All Sixth Formers are now housed in single rooms with study facilities; Fifth Formers in double rooms with study facilities and Fourth Formers are provided with a special study area within the House.