History of the School

Brief History of Bishop Cotton School, Shimla

The idea of the ‘Public School’, which carries so clear an image today, did not exist in 1859 in India . The history of Bishop Cotton School is of public interest for the part it played in the development of public schools and in the wider history of education in this country.

In the 1840’s the great and ancient schools in England numbered not more than half a dozen with Eton, the largest, catering for fewer than 500 boys. In India , there were a handful of private school and Military Asylums, educating the children of their neighbourhood rather than the public at large. The word ‘Public School’ is derived from the system of educating and preparing children for public service.

Bishop Cotton School , Shimla, is the oldest Public School in Asia , having been founded on 28^th July 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, son of an Army Captain, who died leading his Regiment in battle. A scholar of Westminster and a graduate of Cambridge , in 1836 he was appointed as an assistant master at Rugby by Doctor Thomas Arnold, one of the founders of the British Public School System. It was the young Mr. Cotton who is spoken of as “the model young master” in Thomas Hughes’ famous book “Tom Brown’s School Days” which gives an insight to school life at Rugby . After having taught for 15 years at Rugby , in 1852 he was selected to be the Headmaster of Marlborough, where he establish organised games and House and prefect systems. He believed that “The prefects are and shall be, long as I am the head, the governors of the school. As soon as I see this impracticable I will resign…”. He was consecrated Bishop at Westminster Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Queen Victoria personally selected Bishop Cotton as Bishop of Calcutta and Metropolitan Bishop of India, Burma and Island of Ceylon , keeping in view the critical period in India .

As Bishop of Calcutta, he organized on 28^th July 1859, a service to be held and collections to be made in most of the Churches of the Diocese for the raising of a Public School at some hill station in the Himalayas . The collection money was utilized to found Bishop’s School at Jutogh, as it was then called. The land and the buildings on it were given free by the Viceroy. Three private houses were purchased by Bishop Cotton out of Indian Public School fund for Rs. 17,000/- The School opened on 15^th March 1863. Though mentioned in correspondence as the Simla Public School, it never actually bore this name. The first student, Frederick Naylor joined the school on 16^th March 1863, “ creeping like a snail, unwilling to school.” Watched by the staff in curiosity and amusement. 35 boys were admitted that year and the school increased its strength to 65 students by the year 1864. This was the highest number the buildings and grounds permitted. A change of site was necessary. Bishop Cotton personally reconnoitered ten sites in September and October 1864, and finally approved the south end of Knollswood Spur. The foundation Stone was laid on 26^th September 1866 by H.E. The Viceroy, sir John Lawrence, elder brother of Sir Henry Lawrence, founder of the Military Asylum at Sanawar (now known as Lawrence School ). In September 1868, the school moved to Knollswood, our present site.

A fortnight after the laying of the foundation stone, Bishop Cotton drowned in an accident on 6^th October, 1866 while touring Assam in the Governor’s yacht on the river Gorai. To, perpetuate the memory of its founder, the name of the School was changed to Bishop Cotton School in 1867. Also one of the houses, both in Rugby and Marlborough , were named Cotton House and two schools in Bangalore & Nagpur were named in his memory.

Bishop Cotton School was the first public school in Asia to start the house system, organised games and prefectorial system almost at the same time as it was developed in England . At the ancient schools, boys from a distance lodged at private, commercially run houses and attended the schools as day scholars. The 1840s saw a transition between old style Dames’ Houses, which continued at Shrewsbury until 1975, and a system whereby masters augmented their teacher’s income by running boarding houses, doing business directly with the parent and being known therefore as “house master”.

On Sunday 7^th May 1905, whilst most of the boys were on “KHUD LEAVE”, the school caught fire. The complete school was burnt except the HM’s Lodge (1868), the Hospital (1868), and the Senior Masters House. (1873). The school was rebuilt and occupied in July 1907. The school Chapel which was originally consecrated on 21 September 1871 was rebuilt and used from 3 April 1908.

In 1926 a hostel was constructed for the Simla Hill Chiefs’ sons and relatives at, a cost of Rs. 41,000/- financed entirely by the Hill chiefs. Later the hostel was expanded and nine more rooms were added and became the College Section of the school, preparing the boys for the Intermediate Examinations. In 1959 dormitories were constructed on the first floor to house one hundred forty small children. 

An old plan of the School, dating somewhere around 1932 can be seen here.

In 1937 a Prep School was opened by buying the Ayrclif Girls School (now the Tibetan School in Chotta Shimla) for Rs. 35,000/-. In December 1947 the prep school was closed as 42 Pakistani and 98 British and European boys left India and the school. The prep school was finally sold in 1961, to the Dalai Lama having been on rent to the government from 1948.

The first Indian boy permitted to join the school was Suren Tagore in 1881 and Vishnu Singh in 1883. The four Pre-Independence Indian School Captains were R.J. Gandhi in 1928, Harry Chukerbuti in 1936, Jahengzeb Khan in 1941 & Hasan Agha in 1946-47.

The school has an unbroken history since 1859 and by the statues of the school; the former Viceroys and the Presidents are the visitors of the School. In 1989, the President of India was the Chief Guest at the Founder’s Day Celebration.

A School is judged by its products. The school has produced Ambassadors, UN Contingent Commanders, Politicians, M.P.’s in England and India, about a dozen Generals/ Admirals/ Air Marshals, leading Industrialists, Authors, A Chief Minister, Secretaries and an Air Chief. Cottonians have donned the Indian colours in Golf, won a gold Medal in National Taekwando, broken the national broad jump record, represented England and Malaysia in Hockey and Malaysia in cricket, won the second highest Indian decoration in war and have been knighted and produced the most decorated officer in the history of all Armies (Maj. R. Farran) Cottonians have also made the supreme sacrifice in defense of their Country.

“…. And so from those who’ve gone before to those who’re yet to come.

We pass our motto loud and clear, all evil overcome.

As true as is a brother’s love, as close as ivy grows.

We’ll stand foursquare throughout lives to every wind that blows.”

The Lawrence Gate

The Lawrence Gate is an archway encountered after entering the school grounds, with the splendid backdrop of the rear of the Chapel and its imposing stained glass window. Sir John Lawrence as the Viceroy and Visitor was closely connected with the school and laid the foundation stone of the school buildings. The gate itself was inaugurated on 14^th September 1935 by HE the Governor of the Punjab and in attendance was Major   Lawrence descendant of Sir John Lawrence His motto “Be Ready” is engraved in the emblem over the gateway, thus establishing an enduring link with Lawrence School at Sanawar, founded by his brother Sir Henry Lawrence.

Main School Building

The School buildings were erected entirely by donation. Bishop Cotton contemplated the addition of a girls’ department to the institution. The Viceroy, Lord Canning thoroughly and heartily supported the scheme and directed that an equal sum be added by the Government. The school was built in Gothic architectural style on a plan furnished by Crawford Cambell and erected by Major Innes. It was occupied in September 1868. The seventh on May, 1905 whilst most of the boys were on “Khud Leave”, the school caught fire. The fire as far as can be traced originated from an oil stove owned by the master living in the right wing of the school building. The complete school was burnt except the H.M. Lodge, Senior Master’s house and the hospital. 

The school was rebuilt generally to the same architecture and occupied in July 1907. On the first floor of the building are the four houses divided into dormitories. The classrooms are on the ground floor. It was in 1906 that the dormitories were incorporated into the House System. One house was named after Lord Curzon, Viscount George Nathanial, and Viceroy of India 1898-1905, with the Latin motto “Facto Non Verba” (facts not word) house colour adopted was Red. The second house was named after Lefroy, Rt. Rev. Bishop of Lahore 1899-1901, with the motto “ Sperno Mutare” ( I scorn to change). The house colour adopted was Green. The third house was named after Ibbetson, Sir Denzil, Governor of Punjab 1906-1908 with the motto “Nec Impetu Nec Imperio” (Neither by force nor by command) with the house colour in Oxford Blue. The last house was named after Rivaz, sir Charles, Governor of Punjab 1903-1906 with the motto of ‘Servamus” (We serve). The house colour adopted was Cambridge Blue. All the house names, mottos and colours were chosen by Mr. G.S. Stooks, Senior Assistant Master 1906.

The Main School

The Holy Trinity Chapel

The soul of Bishop Cotton School lies in the chapel. It is one of the best preserved chapels in the country, with beautiful stained glass window, polished pews, parquet flooring, pulpit and a grand piano all intact. Every old boy who visits the chapel is touched most with this hallowed house of God transcending religion  and whispers reverently “Its looking even better than in our time”.

The original school chapel was built by Major Innes, RE at a cost of about Rs. 50,000/- and was consecrated on 21^st September 1871. The current service register goes back to 9^th March 1930. In the old service register there is a brief and poignant entry under the date 7^th May 1905, “In the afternoon the school was burnt down…”Only the big Bible dated 1894 and the brassware were saved. The chapel was rebuilt and used again from 3^rd April 1908.

On entering you are faced by the huge stained glass picturing The Good Shepherd. The original Bishop Cotton banner was consecrated in 1925 and is framed on the left wall. The fine communion rail was presented in memory of G.E.H. Ferry, a school master in 1914. Near the alter steps is the Foundation Plaque in copper, a replica of the marble one at the entrance of the chapel. Further ahead on the same side is a marble plaque dedicated to Old Cottonians who lost their lives in World War II. The pipe organ was installed in 1929. In 1921-1922 the seating arrangements, which  were parallel to the side wall, were altered to the present seating, accommodating more boys. In 1935 the chapel was extended. The Italian marble front and three stained glass windows, were gifted by the Viceregal Lodge Chapel, Simla to the school in 1966 and installed opposite the organ windows, one of which is older than the present chapel and dates back to 1879. The other three stained glass windows presented in memory of W.J.Litster, an old boy and Governor of the school for 25 years and thrice President of the OCA, depicting Bishop G.E.L Cotton, The Beryl Tobin and St. Thomas Apostle were installed in 1938.

The school choir has always been exceptional and has sung at two Viceregal weddings in New Delhi in 1938 and 1947, besides having sung over All India Radio. Even today the special carol service in famous. Morning assembly is held in the chapel daily and so the items gone by are bound in continuation with today and the items to come.

Stained-glass window of the Chapel

The War Memorial

The war memorial was unveiled on Founder’s Day 28^th July 1925 and was dedicated “In Honoured memory of the old boys of this School who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1918. “Their name liveth for ever”. It serves as a lasting remembrance of those who made the supreme sacrifice.  It was constructed at a cost of approximately Rs. 4,000/- - and most of the subscribers were parents of the boys in School. On 29^th July 1859, at a great service of thanksgiving for the restoration of peace Bishop G.E.L. Cotton preached a sermon in St. Paul ’s Cathedral, Calcutta , on the words of St. Paul “Overcome Evil with Good”. This become the School motto and is inscribed on the War Memorial.

The Four House Flags flying above the War Memorial and the light blue and dark blue School Flag proudly flutter and “Stand foursquare…. to every wind that blows”. Interestingly it was in September 1898 that the School settled its School colours. Having beaten all local teams in football. The school team decided to enter the 3^rd Durand Tournament, for which the team had to wear colours. “ Mr. B.C. Smith, one of the masters, proposed light blue and dark blue as signifying the two universities Oxford and Cambridge , “from whence we obtained the majority of our educational staff. This proposal being accepted with acclamation”.

Just beyond the school flag is the school bell housed in a small shed. Silently it has watched the boys at work and play year after year. Rouser is still at 6:00 a.m.. Lights out at 10:00 p.m. there are many boys who can jump out of bed on the first stoke of the Chota hazri bell and be down for P.T. in time. The wet towel often substitutes for the beastly cold basin of water. Beyond the bell and in the far distance in the West is the Tara Devi Gap aflame with scarlet and gold and in the East-steel blue. Just beyond the bell is the famous Gnat aircraft, presented by the Air Chief on 1^st June 1990, in honour of Old Cottonians who joined the RAF, RIAF and IAF, amongst them an Air Chief Marshall and a Sqn. Ldr. who won the coveted Vir Chakra in an air battle.

The Irwin Hall

The spacious and dignified hall is used for all school functions, lectures, theatricals, debated and cinema shows. The walls are adorned with numerous honours boards and the portraits of the past Headmasters spanning one hundred thirty continuous years. The stage is equipped with mechanical and electrical apparatus and there is a pit for the orchestra. The Amateur Dramatic Society has a reputation as high as that of the choir. The portrait of the founder Bishop Cotton was painted by Mr. Eddis in 1852 which hangs in the Arnold Library at Rugby . Mr. Eddis consented to accept the subscription raised by boys amounting to Rs. 720/- to paint a modified copy of this former portrait. It was unveiled in 1869 and now adorns the walls of Irwin Hall.

The Irwin Hall is named after HE Rt. Hon. E.F.L. Wood, GMSI, GMIE, Baron Irwin of Kirby and Enderdale in the County of York, Viceroy and Governor General of India, who inaugurated the Hall on 20^th September 1930.

During the tumultuous partition days on 22^nd October 1947, the Headmaster addressed 42 soon to be Pakistani Muslim boys in the Irwin hall in the presence of the School and the Staff. After his address, the middle door of the Hall, through which, according to an old tradition, only Viceroys and Presidents enter and school Captains leave, the school prefects and Hasan Agha, the school Captain walked out, not among the cheers of his fellow students, as previous School Captains had so done, but in deep and sorrowful silence.

The Headmaster Lodge

The Headmaster’s Lodge and the main school building (containing classrooms, six dormitories, a small library, quarters for five masters), Chapel of the Holy Trinity, a hospital and quarters for the Sergeant and Matron were erected by Major Hines RE, on a plan furnished by Crawford Campbell Esq. CE.. They were built in 1866 in the Gothic Style at a cost of Rs. 1, 74954.30 (less the cost of the chapel and leveling of the ‘first’ and ‘second’ flats).

The first Headmaster Rev. Samuel Slater who so successfully started and established the school, was the first resident of the lodge. The following Headmaster’s have resided in the lodge:

Customarily, all Headmasters have used the ground floor. The first floor was initially used for ‘parlour boarders” and at one the time the junior library, and Old Cottonians rooms, Currently, a conference hall and two guest rooms are located on the first floor.

Growing within the gardens of the Headmaster Lodge is the only English Oak of its kind in all of Shimla. The Himalayan Elm, the largest of all trees on the 56 acre school campus, stands on the edge of the Lodge and over the Headmaster’s office and is older than the school- a towering guardian of traditions.

A school is judged by its products. Bishop Cotton has produced Ambassadors, UN Contingent Commanders, Politicians, M.P.'s in England and India, about a dozen Generals/ Admirals/ Air Marshals, leading industrialists, authors, a Chief Minister, Secretaries and an Air Chief. Cottonians have donned the Indian colors in Golf, won national gold medals in Air Rifle Shooting, boxing and Taekwondo. They have broken the national broad jump record, represented England and Malaysia in hockey, and Malaysia in cricket, won the second highest Indian decoration in war and have been knighted. The School has also produced the most decorated officer in the history of all Armies, Maj. Roy Farran (Curzon). Many Cottonians have also made the supreme sacrifice in defense of their country. Visit the BCS Alumni website.