A visit to the archives quickly reveals the depth of Pocklington School’s sporting history. The collection of original team photographs spans from the mid-1900s through to the mid-1900s, featuring football, hockey and cricket XIs alongside rugby XVs and gym VIIIs. Together, they capture generations of students in carefully arranged, formal poses typical of the period.

The photographs tend to follow a consistent format. Teams are assembled in front of the School entrance, framed by its two white pillars. The tallest boys stand at the back with arms folded; the middle row kneels on one knee, also with folded arms; and the front row sits with hands resting neatly on their knees. Masters stand at either end in formal suits. The expressions are strikingly serious – the look of a disciplined side ready for action!

In many of the images, the year can be seen on the doors behind the team. The captain is typically positioned at the centre, sometimes holding a ball marked with the same date. In the rugby photographs, those awarded full colours wear the distinctive velvet cap, with silver tassels and the School’s Johnian eagle emblem, clearly marking their achievement.

While traditions have evolved over time, the underlying spirit remains steadfast. Earlier this year, Head Boy and Rugby Captain Will Carver found a way to bring that history into the present day.

During the Lent Term, Archivist, David “Doc” Dyson, shared with Will a book on the Second World War that had a personal family connection. This led to a wider conversation about other artefacts and memorabilia held in the archive, and from there, an idea emerged – to recreate a classic team photograph with the current 1st XV dressed in vintage kit. It was a suggestion Doc was delighted to support!

Exploring the archives proved fascinating. Alongside shirts from more recent decades, including examples from the early 2000s, was a collection of original velvet caps. For the players, the chance to see and wear these items brought the School’s history vividly to life.

Talking about the experience, Will said: “It was amazing to see all the old kit and to be able to wear some of the original 1st XV caps. It really made you think about the history of it all and feel part of something much bigger; I’d love for the School to start producing the caps again, perhaps for those who achieve full colours.”

On a bright afternoon in late March 2026, the squad gathered at the same spot used by generations before them. Dressed in a mix of 1st XV shirts from the past 25 years and wearing the original velvet caps, they recreated the traditional pose of their predecessors. The result is a striking, colourful image that serves as a fitting tribute to those who came before and a respectful appreciation of the School’s impressive history.

The photograph prompts comparison with teams of the past, including the 1928–1929 1st XV. There is even a direct link between the two; the cap worn by W. Madderson (27-30) in the 1928 photograph and generously donated back to the School by his family was among those worn by the current team.

Reflecting on the project, Doc commented: “The world may turn, but here we have contemporary young men, proud to play rugby for the School, being captured in time almost exactly as their predecessors were a century ago. It is a wonderful example of tradition being carried forward.”

Nearly a century on, the setting remains much the same, as does the sense of pride and belonging. Today’s sports men and women stand as part of a long line of those who have represented the School, captured once again as part of a tradition that continues to endure.

March 2026 Photo:

Back row from left:

Mr Lambert (OP rugby blazer).

Mr Perham.

Tom (1st XV undated).

Rupert (1st XV undated).

Jack (2017 1st XV, cap named Greenwood).

Billy (Australia 2001 Tour).

Tom (Australia 2001 Tour, cap named L. C Sands).

Wilf (Spain 2010 Tour, cap named Parker).

Jamie (1st XV undated, cap B. M Wray).

Mr Jones (South Africa 2012 Tour tracksuit).

Middle row from left:

Joe (1st XV undated).

Will (1st XV undated).

Joe (1st XV 2016, cap unnamed).

Theo (1st XV 2020, cap named Newman).

Will (1st XV undated, cap W Madderson).

Henry (1st XV 2017, cap named Pedley).

Harvey (1st XV named W. Baines).

Jack (1st XV 2000).

James (1st XV 2000).

Front row from left:

Dan (Jersey 2009 Tour, cap named Smithson).

Toby (Jersey 2009 Tour).

Freddie (1st XV undated).

Tom (New Zealand 2004 Tour, cap named Horsley).

Copy of 1928-1929 1st XV photo featuring W Madderson (far right of middle row):