About the House
The House began life in 1836 and was named Cotton in 1931 after Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, former Assistant Master of Rugby School, Master of Marlborough College and Bishop of Calcutta. It was requisitioned by the Armed Forces in 1941 and re-opened at the end of the war. A beautiful memorial by Poole Pottery stands over the fire place at the end of the dining room and is a reminder of the House’s contribution in the First World War.
Cotton is a friendly House in the School and stands in a more residential part of the campus close to the Sports Centre and tennis courts. Originally a Georgian town house, Cotton has undergone several building phases giving it real character.
The House has a quad with floodlights and an artificial surface that allows year round games and activities. It has several Common Rooms as well as a cosy wood panelled tutor’s room and a large back garden. It is perhaps of the relationships between the boys which gives us the most pride and the boys mix well throughout the year groups.
The boys are contributors and people who will relish every challenge thrown at them, whether in the classroom or on the games field. Rugby School offers a huge range of activities and the boys in the House are doers rather than spectators.
Everyone in this community should feel that they have something to offer and should not be afraid to give of their all in whatever they do. Cotton boys are county sportsmen, academic scholars, Grade 8 musicians and fine actors.
Michael Powell, Housemaster
Michael Powell, who is a former Warwickshire County Cricket Captain, provides a wealth of support and advice to the boys and House staff using his experience as a former Housemaster in previous roles before joining Rugby. Aside from keeping a watchful eye over the boys of Cotton, Michael runs the Cricket program throughout the Advent and Lent Terms and also works with both the Rugby and Hockey teams.
Michael lives in Cotton with his wife, their children and their dog, Cooper.