The oldest boarding house, Evans House, was built around 1750 as a private house. The headmaster Christopher Hull lived there and took in private boarders. In around 1870, the school numbers dropped to only 9 pupils and headmaster Heppenstall was brought in to transform the school. He believed that the school needed to increase in size dramatically to secure its survival. At that time, the school estate consisted only of the library building and Evans House. Heppenstall commissioned a firm of well-respected architects, Paley and Austin, to design the Victorian Main School buildings and three purpose built boarding houses, School House, Hart and Sedgwick. Heppenstall formed Sedbergh in the model that still exists today. He established the architectural style of the school, introduced rugby team in 1879 and started the Sedberghian magazine in the same year. During this period of change Lupton House was built in the town. The three separate town houses were rented by school initially and then converted to form one character filled building. At first the school boarding houses all had fluid names and would be called by whichever house master was running the house at that time, for example, Sedgwick would be called Mr Oliver’s house. In 1908 the houses were given permanent names in tribute to influential characters from the history of the school.

During the first World War the Masters’ hostel was converted to become Powell House, the sixth house to be formed. Sadly 259 pupils lost their lives in the war. These boys are commemorated on the Memorial Cloisters that were completed in 1922.The monument has five arches to represent the five houses who had suffered casualties. The Cloisters are purposefully of simple design as it was felt that the building should not have needless decoration.

Throughout the twentieth century the school continued to expand. Winder House was established soon after the first World War. Later, the sanatorium was converted to accommodate junior boys under the new title, Cressbrook House. As the junior department swelled in numbers a junior school in its own right was established a short drive away. Girls arrived at Sedbergh in 2001 filling first Lupton House and later Robertson House, the former sanatorium. Following the merger with Casterton School in 2013, a third girls house was opened, Carus house, which is named after the founder of Casterton School.

The Sedbergh Wolf has become a symbol of teamwork, community connection, loyalty, workable competition, drive, passion, and creativity. Why was the image of the wolf chosen as the symbol of Sedbergh School?

Sedbergh School was founded by Mr Roger Lupton, Headmaster of Eton College, Canon of Windsor and chaplain to King Henry VII and Henry VIII. Master Lupton was also a religious advisor to the monarchs during the period the royal family separated from the Roman Catholic church.

Master Lupton was awarded a badge with three wolf heads by King Henry VII. This is also the symbol of the family name Lupton, which comes from the Latin word “lupus” meaning wolf. According to semiotic language, the image of the wolf symbolizes perseverance, courage, and nobility.

In addition, on Lupton’s badge there are other elements such as three lilies symbolizing the Virgin Mary, seashells symbolizing the pilgrimage of Santiago, Compostela, a popular religious pilgrimage throughout Mr. Lupton’s life, and the Tau cross symbolizes the support that Christ gives, as well as mentioning St. Anthony’s Hospital – the hospital that Mr. Lupton owned.