Didn’t you know that Marlborough School began with a group of clergymen? In 1843, these men sought to establish a boarding school for the sons of clergy. They found the vacant Castle Inn at Marlborough and opened Marlborough School in August of that year. The first class had 199 boys. But Marlborough School’s story stretches back centuries before its founding. We are now standing on ground rich with history.
Marlborough School proudly protects its legacy. The Marlborough Mound dominates the center of the college. Construction on this great mound began over 4000 years ago. It stands as the second-biggest Neolithic mound in Europe. Silbury Hill is slightly larger and located just five miles west. The Marlborough Mound is a 19-meter monument. It has been carbon-dated to 2400 BC. This area includes Avebury’s stone circle and other archaeological treasures. Some say the Mound is the burial place of Merlin. Marlborough’s motto references this legend. It translates to “Where now lie the bones of wise Merlin?”
Since becoming a school, the Mound has played a role in celebrations. A 19th-century painting shows students processing around the Mound. This procession likely marked the appointment of scholars. Today, new students participate in “ad Montem”. This annual tradition welcomes them to Marlborough School.
The Normans built a castle here in the 12th century. King John often visited this royal residence. However, it fell into disrepair in the 14th century. Later, a great house replaced the castle. It became a seat of the Seymour family. Lady Hertford created a famous garden here in the 18th century. The family moved to Petworth and the mansion became the Castle Inn. This inn hosted travelers on their way to or from Bath. But Brunel’s railway caused the coaching trade to collapse in the 1840s. The Castle Inn then closed.
When Marlborough School opened, it intended to have 500 boys. Sons of laity paid more to subsidize clergy children. Marlborough School reached 500 pupils by 1848. However, conditions were harsh. In 1851, the “Marlborough Rebellion” occurred. Pupil numbers declined. The first Master, Matthew Wilkinson, resigned. The school faced heavy debt. Fortunately, George Cotton and George Bradley became inspiring Masters. Cotton introduced organized sports. Bradley made Marlborough a leading academic school.
By 1870, Marlborough School had a strong reputation. It was known for scholarship and Christian values. For the next 100 years, Marlborough produced capable young men. They entered professions, the armed forces, the church, and public life.
In 1968, Marlborough School was one of the first boys’ schools to admit girls into the Sixth Form. This set an example for other schools. In 1989, Marlborough became fully co-educational.
Marlborough School boasts architecture from many eras. Sir Edward Blore, who designed Buckingham Palace, built boarding houses here. George Edmund Street, architect of the Law Courts, also contributed buildings. William White, a Gothic Revival figure, added to Marlborough School. Sir Alfred Waterhouse, architect of the Natural History Museum, designed the cricket pavilion. George Frederick Bodley designed the Chapel and Memorial Library.
Sir Aston Webb, architect of the V&A, built Morris House. William Newton designed the Memorial Hall and science laboratories. David Roberts designed Norwood Hall. Allies and Morrison designed Dancy House and the Innovation Centre. Marlborough School continues its architectural legacy.
Today, Marlborough College remains a leading co-educational boarding school. Its rich history and commitment to excellence shape its students. They leave prepared to contribute to the world. Marlborough School stands as a testament to education and tradition.