Evans House: brief history

Evans is the oldest boarding house at Sedbergh School. It became the residence of the Headmaster in 1784 and as the school grew, became a boarding house in 1878. Refurbishments have greatly enhanced the accommodation over the years but the fundamental structure and character of the House remain the same, as does the House emblem – a wasp – and its associated colour, yellow. The list of distinguished Old Evanians includes Brigadier Jock Campbell, who won the Military Cross in the First World War and the Victoria Cross at the battle of Sidi Rezegh in the Second, and Frederick Guthrie Tait, twice winner of the Amateur Golf Championship, killed in the Boer War in 1900. There is a strong connection to William Wordsworth, whose sons were in the House. Herbert Capstick, the only Jamaican to serve with the RAF in the Battle of Britain, was an Old Evanian, as was John Spencer, former England and Lions rugby captain. Other more recent Old Evanians of note include James Wilby, Will Greenwood and Adam Rickitt.