Cotton College (formerly known as St Wilfrid’s College) was a Roman Catholic boarding school in the village of Cotton in North Staffordshire. The school was centred around Cotton Hall which was a country house used by religious communities from the 1840’s until the school moved there in 1873. Cotton Hall itself dates back to 1630, the oldest parts that survive being rebuilt in the 1700’s by Thomas Gilbert. The college was extended further in the mid to late 1800’s and again in the 1930’s. The school was eventually closed in 1987 and has been derelict ever since. The land & buildings have been owned for the past several years by a construction company based in Leek.
Not the most relaxing of explores with the reputation this place has. Somehow managed to avoid a bollocking on this visit, although I know people who have been before and after and been on the receiving end of a telling off, both from the dog breeder who lives in the old headmaster’s house and from the owners. The weather was grim so the pictures suffered as a result, but it all added to the gloomy, oppressive atmosphere the place has. In truth, there isn’t anything to see inside the buildings, but the 18th century gothic architecture is fantastic.
View attachment
The older parts
The 1930's accommodation block
The large Victorian school building, probably the most photogenic part with the large assembly hall
Remains of some old classrooms with blackboards
Thanks for looking.
Not the most relaxing of explores with the reputation this place has. Somehow managed to avoid a bollocking on this visit, although I know people who have been before and after and been on the receiving end of a telling off, both from the dog breeder who lives in the old headmaster’s house and from the owners. The weather was grim so the pictures suffered as a result, but it all added to the gloomy, oppressive atmosphere the place has. In truth, there isn’t anything to see inside the buildings, but the 18th century gothic architecture is fantastic.
View attachment
The older parts
The 1930's accommodation block
The large Victorian school building, probably the most photogenic part with the large assembly hall
Remains of some old classrooms with blackboards
Thanks for looking.
: Lots of nice natural decay there. Loving the old hall & stage, very 1800s, wood panelling etc .Great report 
