Rugby School Museum
Small museum of Rugby School's archive and heritage collection, visited on a guided school tour that starts at the School Shop on Barby Road.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Rugby School was founded in 1567 under the will of Lawrence Sheriff as a free grammar school for local boys and is now one of the oldest independent schools in Britain. It gave its name to rugby football, whose laws were first written down at the school in 1845, and it is the setting of the novel Tom Brown's Schooldays, which describes the school under the headmaster Thomas Arnold. Former pupils include the poet Rupert Brooke and the author Lewis Carroll.
The museum shows a small selection from the school's Archive and Heritage Collection: objects, photographs, documents and artwork about school life, former pupils and sport. Displays have covered a short history of the school, school life, the school chapel, the first 50 years of girls at the school, the 160th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland and the 180th anniversary of the laws of rugby football.
The museum cannot be visited on its own. It is included in the guided tour of the school, which starts at the School Shop on Barby Road and takes up to two hours.
Highlights
- Selection of objects, photographs, documents and artwork from the school archive
- Displays on school life and on the school chapel
- Exhibition on 50 years of girls at Rugby School
- Material on the origins of the laws of rugby football
- Guided tour of the historic school buildings and the Close
Permanent exhibitions
- A Potted History of Rugby School – A short display on the history of the school.
- School Life – Objects and photographs about everyday life at the school.
- Breaking Barriers: 50 Years of Girls at Rugby School – A display marking half a century of girls at the school.
- Founded
- 2007
- Operated by
- Rugby School
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £9.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £7.50Concessions |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 9 · Children under 10 go free. |
| Private tour for 2 to 9 people | £85Own guide, date to suit the group |
| A-Level Sports Tour (students) | £7.50Accompanying staff free |
Prices are for the guided tour of the school, which includes the museum. Prices for large groups of ten or more are given on application. Reserving a place by phone or email is advised, although places are often available on the day.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Rugby railway station is on the West Coast Main Line.
The School Shop, the starting point for tours, is on Barby Road in the middle of the school campus.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The Rugby School Shop sells memorabilia and is the meeting point for tours. Afternoon tea can be added for groups at the end of the visit.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The tour of the school's highlights, including the museum, takes up to two hours with a guide. Large groups are accommodated with one guide per 25 people. Souvenir bags can be prepared for groups on request. |
