The history of Rigaud’s is more difficult to trace than that of its next-door neighbour Grant’s at Number 2 Little Dean's Yard, and curiously enough the man who gave it its name was only housemaster for four years, before heading off to become Bishop of Antigua. When rebuilt as part of the terrace of three in 1790 it was leased to its architect, Robert Brettingham, and remained in his possession, or in that of his family, until about the 1830s when it passed into the hands of a family called Williams. Although from its earliest days it had been sub-let and used as a boarding house, it only finally became school property in comparatively modern times. The original Rigaud’s building at Number 1 was a mirror image of Number 3, but it was demolished in 1896 (for reasons of practicality not aesthetics!) and the present yellow and red-brick house was built in that and the succeeding year, with a wing to the rear and housemaster’s accommodation facing Great College Street included in the design.
Rigaud's became Rigaud’s in 1846 with the appointment of the housemaster of that name; until this point houses changed their names according to who was running them. When Rigaud left in 1850 the name stuck, and remains to this day.
Facts and Figures
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Housemaster:
Ms Bhavna Choraria (Physics, Sciences)| Founded | 1846 |
|---|---|
| House Type | Boarding and Day |
| Total Pupils | 72 |
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"Located at 1 Dean’s Yard, Rigaud’s is a home and welcoming space for our boarders and day pupils. We are lucky to have two common rooms that all year groups share; Lower Hall is the daytime hub with a well-used piano and pool table, and in the evening the bright orange kitchen, matron’s snacks and huge TV bring the boarders together in the basement. The Rigaud's community extends beyond the pupils, with resident family members and dog, Old Westminsters and parents all getting involved in house life in different ways. Arguably the most important person is Mrs Shaw, our matron, who looks after us all with her sage advice, kindness and care, and good humour. Our aim is that Rigaud’s provides a safe space for pupils during a busy school day, and somewhere where they will always find a friendly face. Pupil leaders help bring the different year groups together, and the sense of community is strong at the weekly house meeting where we celebrate individual and collective achievements. Highlights of the year include decorating at Christmas with carols and hot chocolate, and our now traditional Easter Egg Hunt on the last day of Lent Term. Nothing makes me happier than seeing inter-year collaboration and relationships building, whether that is at the house concert playing Mozart or Oasis, on the football pitch or netball court, or simply the quiet conversations or games of table tennis that happen every day. All of this is helped by a supportive tutor team who also wear the house T-shirt with pride!"
— Bhavna Choraria, Rigaud's Housemaster