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Brook's House

Ever wondered about the significance of the name of the House you were in at The College? In a series of brief articles, Lerpoolian, Mike Askham, takes you through the inspiration for each house.

	22 Mar 2020
	From the Archives

Brook's House Coat of Arms

Founded in 1918 during the headship of 7th Principal, Rev Harold Costley-White as Thomas's, the name of its first housemaster, Brook's House achieved its more permanent identity in 1921, along with three of the other house names which are still in use today. Its colours of black and white were established, as were its badge, a stag's head caboched argent (ie the head of a stag full-faced so as to show the face only, this being silver), and its Latin motto, 'I go on for ever' - a play on words from Tennyson's poem, The Brook.

Rev Richard Brook arrived at the College in 1919 from Merton College, Oxford, where he had been a don, following his double first in history and theology. It was a return north for him as before Oxford he had been educated at Bradford Grammar School; he was 39 years old when appointed.

During his nine years tenure, Brook successfully built up the boarding at the College and encouraged out-of-school activities. Many societies and clubs flourished. The simple uniform of the familiar black blazer and grey flannels was introduced by him. Wainright believed that 'Brook had given to Liverpool College a sense of direction and provided it with a plan for development.

After resigning from the College, Canon Brook became Vicar of Doncaster. Later, he was appointed Archdeacon of Coventry and from 1940 to 1953 he was Bishop of St Edmonsbury and Ipswich. His was indeed a distinguished career.

Rev Richard Brook, Principal 1919-1928

The author gratefully acknowledges three sources for his information and pictures: David Wainwright OL, 'Liverpool Gentlemen' (1960); Ken Siviter OL, '175 years, Past, Present & Future' (2015); and T.R Wilton OL, article in College Magazine (1952)