Historical Background
Henry de Ferrers was one of the most important Norman barons who accompanied William the Conqueror to these islands in 1066. He was well rewarded with a number of large estates including one in the Midlands, centred on Tutbury. The family established a Priory in the village in 1089. Later, in 1138 Robert de Ferrers, son of Henry, took the title of Earl of Derby.
The college badge is based on the heraldic 'vair' pattern, which derives from the covering of a shield with skins of grey squirrels. This coat of arms seems to have been first used by the family sometime during the thirteenth century and today provides us with the symbol we have adopted. The college badge has been based upon this coat of arms.