C.B. Fry, The Cross, 1885 - 1891
Charles Burgess Fry counts as probably England’s greatest sporting all-rounder. His achievements included playing soccer for England and appearing in an FA Cup Final for Southampton. As a student he equalled the world long jump record, and he played rugby for Oxford University, Blackheath and the Barbarians. He was also an outstanding cricketer: he captained the England cricket team without losing a Test Match and scored six centuries in successive innings.
Fry arrived in Repton in 1885 and boarded in what was then Forman House. It continues to serve as a boys’ house, now known as The Cross.
C.B. Fry left Repton in 1891 and died in 1956 after a distinguished career in journalism and public life. Such was his reputation that at one stage he was even offered the throne of Albania – an offer which he declined. On September 28 his ashes were interred at Repton Parish Church, close to the School, but his memory and inspiration live on and each year Repton makes a number of entrance awards recognising all-round achievement and potential which bear his name.
You can find out more about C.B. Fry via the links below;