The Rugby Racket

The Doctor's Wall is where you will find the stone commemorating the exploits of William Webb Ellis in 1823. #NSHD2022

Rugby Football on The Close in 1851. #NSHD2022

#NSHD2022 When Goulburn was Head Master he purchased the part of The Close now know as New Big-Side. Cricket was first played there in 1856. (photograph has no date but could be 1860s/70s)

#NSHD2022 The Pushcart Race also takes place on The Close.

#NSHD2022 Other sports around The Close include Gymnastics, Rackets and Fives. Both buildings were built by William Butterfield.

#NSHD2022 The Close has had three Cricket Pavilions, two are still in use today. The Green Pavilion and James Pavilion are on opposite sides to each other. The Old Pavilion was by the Old Gym.

#NSHD2022 The building of the Hakewill Chapel at Rugby meant that games of Football were moved to the area south of what became the Doctor’s Wall.

Today is There are some very interesting sporting stories in our archive including that of The Close where different sports have been played since 1750. Before the Hakewill Chapel was built the boys …