Wellington College

Wellington College stands on a 400-acre estate in Crowthorne, Berkshire, surrounded by woodland and playing fields. Its buildings were designed by John Shaw Jr in a French Grand Rococo style, with later additions following the same approach. The chapel, half its intended size, was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The college has modern facilities including a 900-seat performing arts centre and a Mandarin language centre with a pagoda and water garden. The grounds include a local nature reserve called Edgbarrow Woods and a Site of Special Scientific Interest known as Wellington College Bog. The college was founded in 1853 as a national monument to the first Duke of Wellington and opened in 1859. Its first headmaster was Edward White Benson, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. The school originally educated sons of deceased officers and later became fully co-educational in 2005. It has strong links with the arts, receiving Artsmark Platinum in 2023, and has produced notable rugby players including James Haskell and Thom Evans. Visitors find a grand campus with extensive facilities. The main buildings and chapel show fine architecture, while the performing arts centre hosts events. The Mandarin centre’s pagoda and water garden offer a quiet contrast to the playing fields. Edgbarrow Woods provides walking paths through the estate. The college’s history is visible in its mottos and buildings, which have appeared in The Crown as Kensington Palace.